How George McGinnis Could Have Changed the Knicks’ History
The New York Knicks had a chance to change their history in 1975 when they pursued George McGinnis, a talented player who could have elevated the team’s performance. McGinnis had led the Indiana Pacers to back-to-back ABA Championships in 1972 and 1973 and was considered one of the league’s best players.
The Pursuit of George McGinnis
McGinnis expressed his desire to play for the Knicks, hoping to join forces with Clyde Frazier and Earl Monroe. The Philadelphia 76ers, who held his NBA rights, allowed the Knicks to negotiate with McGinnis in exchange for a seven-figure sum. However, the Pacers obtained an injunction, preventing the talks from happening. McGinnis re-signed with the Pacers and went on to win the ABA’s MVP Award in 1974-75.
The Knicks’ Desperation
By May 1975, the Knicks were desperate for a change. They had just experienced their first losing season in nine years and were in need of fresh talent. The team’s president, Michael Burke, had been envious of McGinnis’ performances in the ABA throughout the year. The Knicks decided to buy out McGinnis’ contract with the Pacers for $85,000 and signed him to a four-year, $2.4 million deal.
The Backlash and Consequences
Philly owner Irv Kosloff was furious with the Knicks’ actions, calling it “piracy.” The NBA commissioner, Larry O’Brien, voided the trade a week later, fined the Knicks $400,000, and stripped them of their first pick in the 1976 draft. The failed pursuit of McGinnis had significant consequences for the Knicks.
The Domino Effect
The Knicks’ failed attempt to sign McGinnis had a domino effect on their future. They missed out on trading for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, as they lacked the ’76 draft pick that the Milwaukee Bucks were considering as part of a trade. The following year, the Knicks also refused to acquire Julius Erving from the Nets due to their hesitation after the McGinnis incident.
The Missed Opportunity
Had the Knicks successfully signed McGinnis and made subsequent trades, their history could have been drastically different. Fans can only imagine what a lineup featuring Jabbar, Erving, McGinnis, Frazier, and Monroe would have looked like. Unfortunately, the Knicks missed their chance to remain at the top of the NBA’s Monopoly Board and instead found themselves struggling for years to come.
George McGinnis passed away in 2023, leaving behind a legacy as one of the ABA’s greatest players. Although he never played for the Knicks, his failed pursuit had a lasting impact on the team’s future decisions.
