Islanders: Dave DeBusschere Over Mike Bossy Is Ridiculous

The New York Post has Dave DeBusschere over Mike Bossy for the best New York athlete to wear number 22. That’s just ridiculous.

Today, the New York Post went through each number, 0-99, and attempted to decide who the best New York athlete was for each number. It’s a cool concept, and while I think the list is flawed one decision, in particular, was the real headscratcher for me.

Dave DeBusschere was chosen to represent number 22. DeBusschere is a hall of farmer, a two-time NBA Champion, and an eight-time all-star. There’s no denying that DeBusschere was a great player and an important piece to the New York Knicks who won two NBA Finals him on the roster.

These rankings are purely subjective, which is very difficult to do, but if you look at Bleacher Reports rankings of the top-100 NBA players of all-time vs the Top-50 NHL players of all-time you’ll see a few varying things when it comes to Bossy vs DeBusschere.

According to BR, DeBusschere is the 88th best NBA player of all-time. Being included in the top-100 is an honor, this isn’t meant as a knock on DeBusschere it’s just when you compare it to Bossy, he comes in as the 10th best player of all-time.

When you look at these key factors, in addition to the all-time ranking it’s obvious who the answer should be

Who Spent More time in New York?

Mike Bossy played his entire 10-year career in New York, while DeBuscchere was acquired via trade and played 5.5 years with the Knicks.

Who Won More Championships in New York?

Again, the answer is Bossy who had four Championships while DeBuscchere had two.

Number of All-Star Games

Bossy went to eight in 10 years while DeBuscchere went to eight in 13 years (five with the Knicks).

Rookie of the Year

Bossy won the Calder, which is the NHL’s version of rookie of the year while DeBusschere was on the 1963 All-Rookie team but lost out to Terry Dischinger as the rookie of the year.

Other Accolades

Bossy is also a Conn Smythe winner (MVP of the Playoffs) in 1982, he has three Lady Byng’s (“player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability”) and 500 career goals.

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Bossy is 22nd all-time in goals (573) despite having his career cut short at age 30 due to injuries. DeBusschere is a New York legend, there’s no denying that but the “best New York athlete” to wear number 22 is Mike Bossy.