Ranking the Top 5 Uniforms in New York Knicks History

Last Thursday saw the official release of the New York Knicks' brand new uniforms for the 2012-13 season, and now it's time to take a look back at the different styles the team has worn since its inception in 1946.

For the majority of their existence—with the exception of a maroon and navy effort in the early eighties—the Knicks' uniforms have been based on the orange and blue ones we see today.

But that's not to say that the uniforms haven't changed considerably over the last 66 years, as for better or for worse, there have been plenty of different uniform designs for New York's team.

I'm going to take you through the top five of the Knicks' nine different uniform combinations over the years.

5. "Black Introduced" 1997-2001

Best Player to Wear It: Latrell Sprewell

Most Significant Moment: The Knicks' run to the 1999 NBA Finals

After wearing a simple blue and orange number for the majority of their existence beforehand, the Knicks decided to go in a new direction in 1997, adding black to the color palette, which was kept until 2012.

The addition of the colour gave the uniforms a tougher look, which was synonymous with the physical style of play the Knicks had in the late 90's.

4. "The Original" 1946-53

Best Player to Wear It: Harry Gallatin

Most Significant Moment: The first game in New York Knicks history

The original Knicks of 1946 wore a relatively simple number for today's standards, but the discreet blue and orange look is one that is still respected today, as evidenced by the design of the latest Knicks uniforms.

The early years of the Knicks' existence were hardly fantastic—mainly due to the dominance of the Boston Celtics—but these uniforms still have a historical significance as one of the first six uniforms in NBA history.

Hall of Famers Harry Gallatin and Dick McGuire were the first real stars in Knicks history, and they will forever be remembered as having played in these uniforms.

3. "Revolution30" 2010-12

Best Player to Wear It: Carmelo Anthony

Most Significant Moment: The Knicks' first playoff victory since 2004

Having had black on them since 1997, the Knicks' uniforms were really cleaned up in 2010 as the NBA and Adidas introduced the new "Revolution30" uniforms.

New York went with a v-neck collar over the crossover collar they had had for the last few years, and fixed the trims of the jersey for a neater look.

The changes were all subtle, but they were definitely positive, even if the franchise decided an even bigger overhaul was needed in 2012.

2. "Once a Knick, Always a Knick." 2012 and Beyond

Best Player to Wear It: TBD

Most Significant Moment: TBD

Black had been a key part of the Knicks' uniforms for over a decade by the time it was removed last week, but after years of terrible play, those uniforms had become too synonymous with losing, and it was decided that a new look was needed.

These uniforms are clearly based on the ones from the championship years in the early seventies, that were worn in four of the Knicks' eight Finals appearances.

The feedback from most fans so far has been positive, and one popular feature has been the inside collar, which now features the words "once a Knick, always a Knick."

1. "The Classic" 1968-79 and 1983-97

Best Player to Wear It: Patrick Ewing

Most Significant Moment: The Knicks' two championship seasons in 1970 and 1973

When you think about the Knicks, you tend to think of players like Patrick Ewing, Walt Frazier and Bernard King, and this simple uniform is the one in which all three had their best years.

As a franchise, the Knicks too had some good times in these uniforms, winning the NBA title in 1970 and 1973, as well as reaching the Finals in 1972 and 1994.

The blue, orange and white number with the round neck is one of the best jerseys in basketball history, and is right up there with those of the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers as the most timeless uniforms the sport has had.

Back in the 2010-11 season, the modern day Knicks wore these uniforms occasionally as throwbacks, and it was clear for all to see that these were way better.

The newest uniforms are nice, but nothing will ever top these.