Willis Reed, a towering presence in the world of basketball, began his illustrious career with the New York Knicks after being selected in the second round of the 1964 NBA Draft. Standing at 6 feet 10 inches, Reed quickly established himself as a dominant force on the court, known for his physicality and leadership. His rookie season set the tone for what would become a legendary career, as he averaged 19.5 points and 14.7 rebounds per game, earning him the NBA Rookie of the Year award.

Throughout his tenure with the Knicks, Reed became synonymous with the team's success during the late 1960s and early 1970s. His ability to perform under pressure was evident during the 1970 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. In Game 5, Reed suffered a severe thigh injury, casting doubt on his ability to continue in the series. However, in a moment that has become iconic in NBA history, Reed hobbled onto the court for Game 7, inspiring his teammates and the Madison Square Garden crowd. Although he scored only four points, his presence galvanized the Knicks, who went on to secure their first NBA Championship.

Reed's leadership and skill were further recognized when he was named the NBA Finals MVP in both 1970 and 1973, the latter marking the Knicks' second championship victory. His regular-season performances were equally impressive, earning him seven All-Star selections and the NBA Most Valuable Player award in 1970. Reed's ability to dominate both offensively and defensively made him a cornerstone of the Knicks' strategy, and his battles with other legendary centers of the era, such as Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, are still remembered as some of the most intense matchups in basketball history.

Injuries, however, began to take their toll on Reed's body, leading to his retirement in 1974 after ten seasons with the Knicks. Despite the relatively short span of his playing career, Reed's influence on the game was profound. His jersey, number 19, was retired by the Knicks, and he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1982, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in the history of the franchise.

Following his retirement as a player, Reed transitioned into coaching and executive roles, continuing his association with basketball. He served as an assistant coach for several teams, including the Atlanta Hawks and Sacramento Kings, before taking on head coaching duties with the New Jersey Nets. Reed's understanding of the game and his ability to motivate players were assets in his coaching career, although he did not achieve the same level of success as he did on the court.

In addition to coaching, Reed held various executive positions, including a stint as the general manager and vice president of basketball operations for the New Jersey Nets. His experience and knowledge of the game were invaluable in these roles, where he contributed to team-building and player development efforts.

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