Willis Reed

Scoring 46 points against the Los Angeles Lakers in March 1965 established Willis Reed as a dominant force during his rookie season in the NBA. Throughout a decade-long career exclusively with the New York Knicks, he redefined the role of the center, culminating in a historic 1970 season where he secured three major most valuable player honors.

Early Development and College Success

Born in Hico, Louisiana, Reed attended Grambling State University where he played under coach Fred Hobdy. He became a starter during his freshman year and helped the Tigers reach an overall record of 108–17. During his tenure, the team secured three Southwestern Athletic Conference championships and an NAIA title. Reed finished his college career with 2,280 points, averaging 26.6 points per game in his final season.

THE FREE TEST

How high is yours?

Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.

Take the IQ test →

The New York Knicks Era

Selected in the second round of the 1964 NBA draft, Reed quickly adapted to the professional level. Following the arrival of coach Red Holzman, the Knicks defensive strategy centered on Reed's physical presence. In the 1968–69 season, he grabbed a franchise-record 1,191 rebounds. His performance peaked in 1970 when the Knicks set a then-record 18-game winning streak and secured their first NBA championship.

The 1970 Finals Performance

During game seven of the 1970 NBA Finals, Reed famously returned to the court against the Los Angeles Lakers despite a severe thigh muscle tear. His appearance provided a significant psychological shift for his team. Although limited to 27 minutes, his early scoring helped the Knicks secure a 113–99 victory, cementing his status as the Finals MVP.

Transition to Coaching and Management

Following his retirement in 1974, Reed pursued a career in basketball operations. He spent nearly a decade in various coaching roles before joining the New Jersey Nets in 1989. As general manager and vice president of basketball operations until 1996, he oversaw the development of the franchise, later serving as senior vice president when the team reached the NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003.