Willis Reed Quotes
- Basketball player
- USA
- 1942
Willis Reed is a former American professional basketball player and coach. He is best known for his time with the New York Knicks, where he played for 10 seasons and won two NBA championships. Reed was a seven-time NBA All-Star and was named the NBA Most Valuable Player in 1970. He was also a two-ti…Read More
Willis Reed is a former American professional basketball player and coach. He is best known for his time with the New York Knicks, where he played for 10 seasons and won two NBA championships. Reed was a seven-time NBA All-Star and was named the NBA Most Valuable Player in 1970. He was also a two-time NBA Finals MVP and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1982. After his playing career, Reed went on to coach the Knicks and the New Jersey Nets. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history and is known for his toughness and leadership on the court.Read Less
Willis Reed is a former American professional basketball player and coach. He is best known for his time with the New York Knicks, where he played for 10 seasons and won two NBA championships. Reed was a seven-time NBA All-Star and was named the NBA Most Valuable Player in 1970. He was also a two-time NBA Finals MVP and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1982. After his playing career, Reed went on to coach the Knicks and the New Jersey Nets. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history and is known for his toughness and leadership on the court.
Willis Reed Career Highlights
- Reed was drafted by the New York Knicks in 1964 and quickly established himself as a dominant force on the court. In his rookie season, he averaged 19.5 points and 14.7 rebounds per game, earning him the NBA Rookie of the Year award.
- In the 1969-70 season, Reed led the Knicks to their first-ever NBA championship, averaging 21.7 points and 13.9 rebounds per game. He was also named the NBA Finals MVP, becoming the first player in NBA history to win both the regular season and Finals MVP awards in the same season.
- Reed was a seven-time NBA All-Star, selected every year from 1965 to 1971. He was also named to the All-NBA First Team in 1970 and the All-NBA Second Team in 1967 and 1969.
- In 1970, Reed was named the NBA Most Valuable Player, becoming the first player in Knicks history to receive the award. He averaged 21.7 points and 13.9 rebounds per game that season.
- Reed was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1982 and his No. 19 jersey was retired by the New York Knicks in 1986.
Key Contributions by Willis Reed
- Reed was known for his exceptional leadership skills and his ability to motivate his teammates. He was the captain of the New York Knicks for 10 years and was instrumental in their success.
- He was a dominant force on both ends of the court, known for his strong rebounding and scoring abilities. He was also a skilled defender, earning him a spot on the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 1970 and the All-Defensive Second Team in 1971.
- Reed’s determination and toughness were evident in the 1970 NBA Finals when he famously played through a severe thigh injury in Game 7, inspiring his team to victory. This moment is considered one of the greatest displays of grit and determination in NBA history.
What Sets Willis Reed Apart
- Reed’s impact on the New York Knicks and the NBA as a whole goes beyond his on-court achievements. He was a pioneer for African-American players, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations.
- He was also known for his sportsmanship and professionalism, earning the NBA Sportsmanship Award in 1976. He was a respected figure both on and off the court, and his contributions to the game of basketball have been recognized and celebrated by fans and players alike.
Takeaways
- Willis Reed’s career highlights and key contributions make him one of the most iconic and influential players in NBA history. His leadership, determination, and skill set him apart from his peers and solidified his place in basketball history.
- His legacy continues to inspire future generations of players, and his impact on the game will be remembered for years to come. Willis Reed will always be remembered as a true legend of the sport.