The 2001–02 NBA season was the 56th season for the New York Knicks in the National Basketball Association. During the offseason, the Knicks acquired Shandon Anderson from the Houston Rockets and Howard Eisley from the Dallas Mavericks in a three-team trade, while signing free agent Clarence Weatherspoon. Entering the season, the Knicks were without Larry Johnson who retired during training camp. After a 10–9 start to the season, head coach Jeff Van Gundy unexpectedly resigned in December, explaining he had "diminished focus", though he would return to coach the Houston Rockets in the 2003–04 season. Don Chaney took over for Van Gundy. Under Chaney, the Knicks suffered an 8-game losing streak in January and went 20–43, on their way to finishing last place in the Atlantic Division with a 30–52 record. The Knicks missed the NBA Playoffs for the first time in 15 seasons.

Following the season, Marcus Camby and Mark Jackson were both traded to the Denver Nuggets. However, Jackson was released and signed with the Utah Jazz.