You walk into Madison Square Garden, and you see the sea of blue and orange. Most people are wearing Jalen Brunson jerseys or maybe a vintage Patrick Ewing throwback. But if you look closely at the court right now, you’re looking for the guy with the digit "1" stitched onto his back. Honestly, it’s one of the most interesting numbers in the entire history of the franchise, and who is wearing it today tells a huge story about where this team is heading in 2026.
Cameron Payne currently owns that real estate.
Wait, who? Yeah, "Cam" Payne. The gritty, high-energy backup point guard who has bounced around the league like a pinball. He’s the current number 1 on the Knicks, and while he might not be the guy on the posters, he's the guy keeping the second unit from falling off a cliff. He signed with New York to provide that veteran spark, and so far, he’s been exactly what Tom Thibodeau loves: a pest on defense and a floor general who doesn't care about his own stats as much as the scoreboard.
Why Number 1 on the Knicks is Basically a Revolving Door
If you’ve followed this team for more than a minute, you know that jersey numbers in New York carry weight. But number 1 is weird. It’s not retired like 10 (Walt Frazier) or 33 (Ewing). Instead, it has become a symbol of players who come in, provide a massive jolt of electricity, and then move on.
Think about it.
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Before Cam Payne, we had Obi Toppin. Obi was the hometown hero, the high-flyer who everyone wanted to succeed. He wore number 1 from 2021 to 2023. When he was on the court, the Garden felt different. It was all about those transition dunks and that "Obi! Obi!" chant. But then he was gone, traded to Indiana, and the number was vacant again.
And before him? Bobby Portis wore it in 2020. Before Bobby, it was Emmanuel Mudiay. You start to see the pattern. It's a number for the "bridge" players—the guys who help transition the team from one era to the next.
The Legends Who Set the Bar
We can't talk about the number 1 on the Knicks without mentioning the heavy hitters. This isn't just a backup's jersey. Some of the most influential (and sometimes controversial) players in New York history have worn it.
- Amar'e Stoudemire (2011-2015): This was the peak. When STAT arrived from Phoenix, he chose number 1 because he wanted to show he was the "number one" option to bring the Knicks back to relevance. For a while, he did. His 2010-2011 season was legendary. He had nine straight games of 30+ points. He made the Knicks relevant again before the Carmelo Anthony trade changed the gravity of the team.
- Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway (2004-2006): Penny was at the end of his career when he got to New York, but seeing that iconic number 1 on a Knicks jersey still felt like a big deal. He wasn't the Orlando Magic version of himself, but he brought a level of basketball IQ that young players still talk about.
- Chris Childs (1997-2001): If you like "old school" Knicks basketball—the kind where people got hit in the face and nobody cried—you loved Chris Childs. He was the defensive heartbeat of those late 90s teams. He famously got into it with Kobe Bryant, which basically made him a New York legend forever.
What Cam Payne Brings to the Table in 2026
Back to the present. The 2025-2026 season is a weird one for the Knicks. They are deep. They have Karl-Anthony Towns (wearing 32) and Mikal Bridges (wearing 25) alongside Brunson. So, what does the guy wearing number 1 actually do?
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He’s the insurance policy.
Cameron Payne is currently averaging about 14 points and 6 assists when he gets the start, but his real value is as a disruptor. In a recent game against Detroit, he dropped 21 points and 7 assists, proving that even if the stars are resting, the number 1 on the Knicks is still going to be productive. He’s 31 years old now. He knows the league. He knows how to manipulate a pick-and-roll. Honestly, he’s the "vibe creator" for the bench.
The "Curse" of the Single Digit?
Some fans on Reddit and Knicks Twitter talk about a "curse" associated with number 1. They point to the fact that almost everyone who wears it ends up leaving under strange circumstances or dealing with injuries.
Amar'e had the knee issues.
Obi couldn't get enough minutes.
Steve Francis (2006-2007) never found his rhythm.
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But looking at how Payne is playing right now, that "curse" feels a bit like a stretch. He's embracing the role. He's not trying to be the "Number 1" star; he's just wearing the "Number 1" jersey. Sometimes, a change in perspective is all it takes to break a trend.
A Quick Look at the History
| Player | Years | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Ken Bannister | 1985-1986 | The original "Number 1" of the modern era. |
| Maurice Cheeks | 1990-1991 | A Hall of Famer who brought veteran leadership. |
| Chris Duhon | 2009-2010 | Set the franchise record for assists in a single game (22). |
| Alexey Shved | 2015 | A brief, cult-hero moment during a dark season. |
How to Follow the Number 1 Today
If you’re trying to keep up with how the current number 1 on the Knicks is performing, you need to look past the box score. Watch how he interacts with Tyler Kolek or how he pushes the pace after a defensive rebound.
He is basically the coach on the floor for the second unit.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you want to dive deeper into the current roster or the history of this specific jersey, here is how you should handle it:
- Check the injury report: Since Payne is a veteran, his minutes fluctuate. Check the active roster before games to see if he's starting or coming off the bench.
- Watch the "Knicks Fixed" rotations: Pay attention to the 2nd quarter. That’s usually when the number 1 is most active, leading the transition offense.
- Don't buy the jersey just yet: Unless you’re a die-hard Cam Payne fan, history suggests this number changes hands every 2-3 years. If you want a "forever" jersey, stick with the retired numbers or Brunson.
- Look for the "Payne Dance": Cam is known for his pre-game rituals and bench celebrations. It’s part of the energy he brings to the Garden.
The number 1 on the Knicks isn't just a digit; it's a role. Right now, Cameron Payne is filling that role with the kind of grit that New York fans respect, even if he isn't the one taking the final shot. It’s about the work. It’s about the hustle. It’s about being ready when your number is called.