Willis Reed, the Captain.
The greatest New York Knick ever, no question about it.
We’re in the middle of the NBA Finals and when I watch great players like Steph Curry or LeBron, I’m reminded of Reed. The Man from Grambling. Drafted behind Marvin “Bad News” Barnes.
Willis used to say he had to succeed and played every game like it was a war. He led like a general. Like Patton. Like McArthur. When he spoke, his teammates listened.
DeBusschere, Frazier, Lucas, Monroe and Earl the Pearl were his soldiers. Even some guy named Phil Jackson did what he was told (which was usually come off the bench and give a few fouls).
The Knicks didn’t win before him. They haven’t won since. But in 1969 and 1973, they electrified the city.
And everyone who has ever lived in New York since the ’69 Finals against the Lakers – all 100 million or so – claim to have been in the Garden when Willis dragged himself onto the court with one good leg.
The place went wild. Indescribable. The energy. Rafters shaking. Fans in tears. Players inspired. Everyone knew what was about to happen. Including the Lakers.
First shot, over Chamberlain, good.
Second shot, over Chamberlain, good.
Champions.
Sometimes it takes seeing a man give everything he’s got to make you want to do and be more.
We need more Willis Reeds. We need more great men ready to go the extra mile to make those around them better. Areena is those guys.
Art Gurwitz
Founder, Areena