Lee Knorek

Who was Lee Knorek?

Leonard J. Knorek was an American professional basketball player. A 6'7" center, he spent the majority of his career with the New York Knicks of the NBA. He was of Polish descent.

Born in Rossford, Ohio, Knorek graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1939. He played basketball at DeSales University and the University of Detroit, then enlisted in the United States Navy to serve in the Pacific theater of World War II. Ater returning home at the end of the war, a friend, Paul Taylor, signed him to the New York Knicks.

Knorek participated in the first NBA game, a November 1, 1946 contest between the Knicks and the Toronto Huskies. The Knicks won 68-66. Knorek remained with the Knicks until 1950, when he was sold to the Baltimore Bullets. He only played one game with the Bullets before quitting, claiming that he was hobbled by an old knee injury The Bullets sued him for breach of contract in a case that lasted almost two years. Knorek eventually promised the Bullets that he would not play professional basketball with any team. He ended his NBA career with 873 career points.