Full Name: Bernard King
Nickname: The King
Position: Small Forward / Shooting Guard
Height: 6’7″
College: University of Tennessee
NBA Draft: 1977, 1st Round (7th Overall) by the New Jersey Nets
Hall of Fame: Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2021)
College Career (University of Tennessee, 1974–1977)
Points: 1,984 (25.8 PPG)
Rebounds: 519 (6.6 RPG)
Achievements:
All-American (1977)
SEC Player of the Year (1977)
Led the University of Tennessee to two NCAA Tournament appearances
Set numerous school records, including scoring records that still stand to this day
NBA Career (1977–1993)
Points: 19,655 (22.5 PPG)
Rebounds: 5,060 (5.8 RPG)
Assists: 2,863 (3.3 APG)
Teams:
New Jersey Nets (1977–1982)
Golden State Warriors (1982–1983)
Utah Jazz (1984)
New York Knicks (1982–1987, 1991–1993)
Washington Bullets (1987–1991)
Career Achievements:
4× NBA All-Star (1984–1986, 1991)
NBA Scoring Champion (1984)
2× All-NBA Second Team (1984, 1985)
NBA Comeback Player of the Year (1981)
Career Points: 19,655 (22.5 PPG)
Career Rebounds: 5,230 (5.0 RPG)
Career Assists: 3,640 (4.0 APG)
2× All-NBA Third Team (1983, 1989)
NBA All-Rookie First Team (1978)
Signature Moments:
1984 Scoring Title: Bernard King won the NBA scoring title with an average of 26.3 points per game for the New York Knicks, showcasing his incredible scoring ability and offensive talent.
1984 Playoff Performance: King delivered one of the most remarkable individual playoff performances in history with a 60-point game against the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs, leading the Knicks to a 3-1 series loss but showing his resilience and scoring dominance.
1984–1985 Season: King averaged 32.9 points per game that season and was one of the most dominant offensive forces in the NBA.
Injuries and Comeback: After suffering a severe knee injury in 1985, many thought King’s career would be derailed. However, he made a triumphant return in the early 1990s, proving his resilience and ability to overcome adversity.
New York Knicks Legend: Known as one of the best players in Knicks history, King is regarded as one of the franchise’s greatest scorers and leaders.
Playing Style:
Bernard King was a dynamic, powerful scorer known for his ability to score in a variety of ways—whether it was through mid-range jump shots, attacking the basket, or his impressive footwork in the post. His combination of strength, quickness, and scoring ability made him one of the most difficult players to defend in his prime. King was not just a high-volume scorer but also an excellent passer, capable of creating opportunities for his teammates.
Legacy:
One of the Greatest Scorers: Bernard King is widely regarded as one of the best and most versatile scorers in NBA history.
New York Knicks Icon: He is remembered as one of the franchise’s all-time greats, leaving a lasting mark on the team’s legacy.
Hall of Fame Inductions:
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2013)
Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame (2001) (he played college basketball at the University of Tennessee)
National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame (2007)
Bernard King’s induction into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame solidified his legacy as one of the NBA’s all-time greats despite enduring serious knee injuries during his career.
Miguel Rodriguez greats and watches as Hall of Famer Bernard King signs the Original Sign of the first Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame (1968).
Bernard King signs the Original Basketball Hall of Fame Sign at Foxwoods Casino.
“Scoring was my art; the court was my canvas”
“I always played like it was my last game”
“Defense opens the door to offense”
“A quick first step gives you control over the game”
“There are times when you go into a zone”