HoopsCritic Hot 50 – #36 Willis Reed

The Captain rarely gets his due, often forgotten despite having a breathtaking resume. Willis Reed is one of only 10 players to win a MVP award, Finals MVP, and Championship in the same season. He was the leader and Finals MVP on the only two title teams the blue, orange, and white have ever mustered.

Reed had a shortened but dominant run leading the Knicks in their golden era. Despite retiring in 1974, to this day Reed is one of only 10 players to own multiple Finals MVP awards.

The Resume:

Eighth Overall Pick 1964 – New York Knicks

7x All-Star

5x All-NBA

All NBA Defense

Rookie of the Year

All-Star MVP

MVP

2x Finals MVP

2x Champion

Hall of Fame

How did the guys rank him?

The Flag Bearer: Josh Eberley (29).

The Barn Burner: Brian Geltzeiler (NR).

How did the other guys rank Reed: Marc Griffin (30), Justin Salkin (30), Lang Greene (31), Justin Rowan (33), James Holas (35), Matt Drappel (36), Justin Termine (36), Adi Joseph (38), Shane Young (38), Jacob Noble (39), Robert Littal (42), and Will Reeve (49).

#35 Thursday, September 3rd.

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Contributors:

Josh Eberley – hoopscritic.com / Host of the @PullUpPodcastHC, @JoshEberley

Jacob Noble – hoopscritic.com / Host of the @PullUpPodcastHC, @JacobNoble_HC

James Holas – hoopscritic.com / BballBreakdown, @SnottieDrippen

Adi Joseph – sportingnews.com, @AdiJoseph

Matt Drappel – sportsnet.ca, @MattyD416

Justin Rowan – fearthesword.com / hoopslounge.com, @Cavsanada

Robert Littal – blacksportsonline.com, @BSO

Shane Young – hoopshabit.com, @YoungNBA

Justin Termine – Sirius XM NBA / cinesport.com host, @TermineRadio

Marc Griffin – hoopslounge.com / sportsnet.ca, @montrealmarc

Lang Greene – basketballinsiders.com, @LangGreene