Every sports fan has that one number that holds a special place in their heart. For me, that number has always been 21. Growing up as a New York Knicks fan in the ‘90s, it wasn’t common to see my favorite number celebrated on the court. While Bulls fans had #23 and Magic fans had #32, New York Knicks fans never had a star wearing #21 who made it to SportsCenter every night.
My love for the number 21 started when I was a kid playing P.A.L. soccer, and it stuck with me through the years.
Although I never got to wear the number 21 in my youth sports teams, I did treat myself to a custom New York New York Knicks jersey with the number from Gerry Cosby’s store. Despite the lack of a megastar wearing the number, 17 players have donned the #21 jersey for the Knicks. Let’s dive into the history and impact of some of these players.
Gerald Wilkins: The Scorer
Gerald Wilkins, the younger brother of NBA Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins, played for the New York Knicks from 1985 to 1992. During his seven seasons with the team, Wilkins averaged 14.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game.
His sophomore season was his best, averaging just under 20 points per game and finishing 7th in the voting for the 1986-87 NBA Most Improved Player award.
Wilkins was often the second-highest scorer behind Patrick Ewing. However, with the arrival of John Starks in 1990 and Xavier McDaniel in 1992, Wilkins’ time with the New York Knicks came to an end, and he signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers after the 1992 season.
Charlie Ward: The Floor General
In 1994, the New York Knicks drafted Charlie Ward, a Heisman Trophy winner from Florida State University, with high hopes of him becoming the team’s long-term point guard. Initially, Ward saw limited action under coach Pat Riley, appearing in just 10 games during his rookie season.
However, Riley’s departure and Jeff Van Gundy’s promotion to head coach marked a turning point for Ward. He transitioned from a benchwarmer to a primary backup for Derek Harper.
Following Harper’s exit in 1996, Ward split point guard duties with Chris Childs. By the 1997-98 season, Ward had established himself as a reliable starter, playing and starting in all 82 games and posting career highs in points and assists per game. During the New York Knicks’ 1999 run to the NBA Finals, Ward started all 50 regular season games and all 20 playoff games, cementing his place as a solid contributor for the team.
Wilson Chandler: The Rising Star
Wilson Chandler was drafted 23rd overall by the New York Knicks in 2007. Under head coach Isiah Thomas, Chandler saw limited minutes during his rookie year. However, under new head coach Mike D’Antoni, Chandler’s production significantly increased.
In his sophomore year, he appeared in all 82 games, starting 70, and saw his points per game average double to 14. His rebounds and assists per game nearly doubled as well.
Chandler continued to improve, averaging over 16 points per game by 2010. As he emerged as a team leader, the New York Knicks capitalized on his rising value by including him in the package deal that brought Carmelo Anthony to the team. Over his four-year career with the Knicks, Chandler averaged 14 points and 5.2 rebounds per game.
Iman Shumpert: The Defensive Dynamo
The New York Knicks drafted Iman Shumpert with the 17th pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, exciting fans eager to see his electrifying dunks and tenacious defense. Shumpert did not disappoint during his rookie year, averaging just under 10 points and nearly 2 steals per game.
He finished 5th in Rookie of the Year votes and was the only rookie to earn a Defensive Player of the Year Award. However, his promising rookie season was cut short by a severe knee injury during the playoffs.
Upon his return in 2013, Shumpert became one of the most recognizable players in the league with his signature high-top fade. He brought a new level of swagger to the team and quickly became a fan favorite. Despite maintaining his stellar play, Shumpert was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2015, where he went on to win a championship and enjoyed a 12-year NBA career before retiring in 2021.
Honorable Mention: Trevor Ariza
While not as prominent as the others, Trevor Ariza deserves an honorable mention. Drafted by the New York Knicks in 2004, Ariza’s time with the team was short but impactful. He went on to have a successful NBA career, known for his defensive prowess and clutch performances.
New York Knicks: The Legacy of #21
The number 21 may not be hanging in the rafters at Madison Square Garden, but it has a rich history with the New York Knicks.
From Gerald Wilkins’ scoring prowess to Charlie Ward’s leadership, Wilson Chandler’s rise, and Iman Shumpert’s defensive tenacity, #21 has been worn by players who made significant contributions to the team. As we look forward to the future, perhaps the next great New York Knicks player to wear #21 is just around the corner.
