John Starks facts for kids
Starks at Madison Square Garden in 2013
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| No. 30, 3, 9 | |
|---|---|
| Shooting guard | |
| Personal information | |
| Born | August 10, 1965 Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| High school | Central (Tulsa, Oklahoma) |
| Listed height | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Listed weight | 190 lb (86 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College |
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| NBA Draft | 1988 / Undrafted |
| Pro career | 1988–2002 |
| Coaching career | 2003–2003 |
| Career history | |
| As player: | |
| 1988–1989 | Golden State Warriors |
| 1989–1990 | Cedar Rapids Silver Bullets |
| 1990 | Memphis Rockers |
| 1990–1998 | New York Knicks |
| 1999–2000 | Golden State Warriors |
| 2000 | Chicago Bulls |
| 2000–2002 | Utah Jazz |
| As coach: | |
| 2003 | Westchester Wildfire |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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| Career NBA statistics | |
| Points | 10,829 (12.5 ppg) |
| Rebounds | 2,129 (2.5 rpg) |
| Assists | 3,085 (3.6 apg) |
John Levell Starks (born August 10, 1965) is a former professional basketball player from the United States. He played as a shooting guard in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Even though he wasn't picked in the 1988 NBA draft, he became a famous player. Starks was named an NBA All-Star when he played for the New York Knicks in the 1990s.
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Early Life and College Basketball
John Starks was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He went to Tulsa Central High School, where he played basketball for one year.
After high school, he went to Rogers State College in 1984. He later transferred to Northern Oklahoma College in 1985. Starks then attended Tulsa Community College in 1986 to study business. While playing basketball there, he caught the eye of coach Ken Trickey. Starks then played for Oklahoma Junior College for a season. In 1988, he earned a scholarship to Oklahoma State University, where he finished his college basketball career.
John Starks' Professional Career
Starting with the Golden State Warriors
Even though no team picked him in the 1988 NBA draft, Starks signed with the Golden State Warriors in September 1988. He didn't play much because the Warriors had already picked another shooting guard, Mitch Richmond, who became Rookie of the Year.
Playing in Other Leagues
Before joining the Knicks, Starks also played in other basketball leagues. He played for the Cedar Rapids Silver Bullets in the Continental Basketball Association (1989–90). He also played for the Memphis Rockers in the World Basketball League (1990–91).
Becoming a Star with the New York Knicks
In 1990, Starks tried out for the New York Knicks. During a practice, he tried to dunk over Knicks star center Patrick Ewing. Starks twisted his knee during this play. Because his knee didn't heal quickly, the Knicks couldn't let him go from the team. Starks often said that Ewing helped him stay with the Knicks.
Starks eventually became the starting shooting guard for the Knicks. He was a very important player for eight seasons, from 1990 to 1998. He was known for his tough and physical style of play, just like his teammates Anthony Mason and Charles Oakley. In 1992, he even took part in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest.
"The Dunk" and Famous Plays
Starks made a very famous play known simply as "The Dunk." This happened in Game 2 of the 1993 Eastern Conference Finals against the Chicago Bulls. Starks was in the corner of the court, closely guarded. He faked a move, then drove along the baseline. With his left hand, he dunked the ball over Horace Grant, even as Michael Jordan tried to help.
One tough moment in Starks' career was during the 1994 NBA Finals against the Houston Rockets. In Game 6, with the Knicks trying to win, Rockets center Hakeem Olajuwon blocked Starks' last-second shot. This gave Houston the win. In Game 7, Starks had a very difficult game, shooting poorly. The Rockets won the game and the championship.
In 1995, Starks made history by being the first player to make 200 three-pointers in one season. Later, in 1996, Allan Houston took Starks' starting spot. But Starks still played a big role coming off the bench. He won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 1997, which is given to the best player who usually doesn't start the game.
On February 18, 1997, Starks made an amazing buzzer-beating three-pointer to win a game against the Phoenix Suns. He got the rebound, dribbled to the three-point line, and shot the ball just as the game clock ran out. It was a very exciting moment!
Back to Golden State
In January 1999, Starks was traded back to his first team, the Golden State Warriors. He stayed with the Warriors until February 2000.
Brief Time with the Chicago Bulls
Starks played only four games for the Chicago Bulls during the 1999–2000 season. He was later released by the team.
Finishing His Career with the Utah Jazz
John Starks finished his basketball career playing for the Utah Jazz. He played for them from 2000 to 2002.
Life After Basketball
After his time with the Jazz, John Starks retired from playing basketball in 2002. He had scored 10,829 points in his career.
Today, Starks works for the Knicks as an official who helps with fans and former players. He also works as a TV analyst, talking about Knicks games before and after they happen. He was also a coach for a Slamball team called the Maulers. In 2003, he coached the Westchester Wildfire basketball team.
In 2004, he wrote a book about his life called John Starks: My Life. He also helps promote a basketball shoe called Ektio, which was designed to help prevent ankle injuries. John Starks also owns a car dealership in New York.
John Starks' Legacy
John Starks was known for his strong will to win and his amazing plays, like "The Dunk." This made him a huge favorite among fans in New York. Even though he wasn't an All-Star every year, many people think he is one of the greatest Knicks players ever.
Starks was famous for his intense emotions on the court. He often had rivalries with other players, like Reggie Miller from the Indiana Pacers.
Starks holds the record for the most three-point shots made in Knicks history (982). He was also the first player in NBA history to make 200 three-pointers in one season, with 217 in the 1994–95 season. This record was later broken by Dennis Scott and now belongs to Stephen Curry.
Even though he wasn't very tall for a basketball player, Starks was a great defender. He was part of the tough New York Knicks defense in the 1990s. He was even named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 1992–93.
John Starks is also mentioned in songs by famous music groups like A Tribe Called Quest and the Beastie Boys.
Personal Life
John Starks' mother was part Muscogee, which means he is one-eighth Muscogee.
On December 13, 1986, John Starks married his wife Jackie. They have one son and two daughters.
Images for kids
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Starks at Madison Square Garden in 2013
See also
In Spanish: John Starks para niños
- List of National Basketball Association career playoff 3-point scoring leaders
- Knicks–Heat rivalry
- Bulls–Knicks rivalry
