Little-Known Knicks Tradition

For a team with a proud history the Knicks have one tradition that not many people might now about; yours truly included.

It turns out that when a Knick who’s had his number retired passes away, the team switches his retired player banner in the MSG rafters from white in color to blue.

The last time the Knicks put this neat tradition into practice was during the 2003 season when Dave Debusschere passed away.

According to the custom the banner remains blue for the remainder of the season that is underway when the player passed.

Of course this all comes to light again with the recent passing of Hall of Famer Dick McGuire.

Before tonight’s game against the Bucks, McGuire’s white banner was lowered and replaced by the blue one seen below.

It’ll of course remain that way for the rest of 2010, so if you happen to check out a Knicks game at the Garden, you’ll know why it’s that way.

Matt Estreich for The Huddle