When many people think of a sports Hall of Fame, they think of the players and coaches who made indelible marks in their respective domains to warrant inclusion into the hallowed halls. But most Halls of Fame also have wings for executives, contributors, teams, and even fans. Lee, an Academy Award- and Emmy-winning producer and director, grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and has been associated with the Knicks, perhaps, more so than any other singular fan with any other NBA franchise.
He is often seen sitting courtside and has had numerous interactions with both Knicks players and adversaries, including starring in Nike commercials alongside Michael Jordan, and engaging in on-court feuds with Reggie Miller. Nicholson, a three-time Oscar-winning actor, grew up in the New York City metro as well but is known for his allegiance to the Lakers, becoming a season-ticket holder in 1970. Unlike Lee, Nicholson’s courtside seats are opposite the play-by-play camera so those viewing on TV could see him and his reactions every time the ball was at his end of the court.
Nicholson frequently sits next to producer Lou Adler, but the former stopped attending Lakers games in 2021, before reappearing during a 2023 playoff contest. Horwitz, a businessman, is not from New York City as he was born and raised in Philadelphia, even attending the famed Overbrook High School in the western part of the city. That school has sent a dozen players to the NBA, including Wilt Chamberlain.
Horwitz has courts.