Off consecutive disappointing draft classes, the New York Knicks entered 1991 with one pick, albeit the 12th selection of the first round. It marked their highest since 1986, when Kenny “Sky” Walker went fifth overall.
The 1990-91 Knicks finished 39-43 and made the postseason, losing to the eventual champion Chicago Bulls in three games, when the first round of the playoffs was shortened.
The core was starting to build, however, with Patrick Ewing, Charles Oakley and John Starks around. All became contributors towards the teams that made the postseason throughout the ’90s, including the 1994 NBA Finals.