The 13 Knicks Rebuilds Since their Last Title — Rebuild #2: Richardson, Ray Williams & Cartwright

2. The Micheal Ray Richardson/Ray Williams/Bill Cartwright Youth Rebuild

Orchestrated by:

Still Eddie Donovan in command.

Highlights:

Bob McAdoo, in his prime at age 27, was traded to Boston for three (3) 1st-round picks in the 1979 draft, which ended up being Bill Cartwright at #3 overall, Larry Demic at #9 overall, and Sly Williams at #21 overall.
Spencer Haywood was traded for Joe C Meriweather.
Micheal Ray Richardson, picked #4 overall in 1978, blossomed into an elite guard in 1979-80. He was a tremendous defender, scorer, and passer who ran the break with precision and skill. He was named to the NBA All Defense 1st team 2 years in a row — in 1979-80 and 1980-81. He made 3 straight All Star teams.
Ray Williams, picked #10 in 1977, teamed with Richardson to produce an elite, athletic young backcourt. Williams average 20.9 ppg in 1979-80 and 19.7 ppg in 1980-81.
Marvin Webster was signed as a free agent just before the 1978-79 season, and became a 2-headed monster with Bill Cartwright.
Toby Knight came into his own as a smooth scoring forward, averaging 19.1 ppg in 1979-80, before blowing out his knee in training camp in September 1980.
Campy Russell was acquired from Cleveland in a 3-team trade — NY giving up Joe Meriweather — in September 1980 to replace Toby Knight. Russell averaged 16.1 ppg for the 1980-81 Knicks.

Results:

With Red Holzman back as coach, the Bill Cartwright/Micheal Ray Richardson/Ray Williams Knicks bounced back to a 39-43 record in 1979-80 (just missing the playoffs) and won 50 games in 1980-81 but lost in the 1st round of the playoffs 2-0 to Chicago Bulls.

The End:

Ray Williams left as a free agent with the NY Nets — and the Knicks received power forward Maurice Lucas as compensation.
The Knicks plummetted to 33 wins in 1981-82 and it was on to Rebuild #3..