Bernard King's Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Speech

Bernard King delivers his speech upon being enshrined to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2013. To learn more about Bernard King take a look at his official Hall of Fame bio at www.hoophall.com/hall-of-famer...

[@ShawnC.T.]

One of the most underrated NBA players ever...

[@Amick44]

Yes, he was. One of the drawbacks of not playing on strong teams. Dave Bing, Pete Maravich and Reggie Miller can attest to that. Others, too, but these guys stick out in my mind.

[@rockdog4179]

Not anymore!

[@Dan_the_Great_]

He had a great career. THE matchup vs MJ was cool

[@MA_808]

@@Dan_the_Great_ MJ was not as good as Bernard King.

[@melljones8876]

@@MA_808 Man wat now you talking nonsense

[@marcroigcebrian]

one of the greatest players of nba history

[@babywilson10]

Quickest release of anyone I've ever seen. Unstoppable scoring machine. Could score from anywhere, anytime. Ridiculously awesome.

[@msw600]

I like Bernard as he is HUMBLE, and speaks very nicely. He is an example of a class act. He complimented everyone including his former teammates and coaches.

[@benjaminpease5297]

Different Bernard King. Get your facts straight.

[@carlitosortiz2870]

On and off the court, world class....can"t get any better. I grew up on Dekalb and Troop about 2 miles down from the Hamilton Projects, it's crazy how those projects produced this world class act.

[@MrAitraining]

Beautiful speech and still my all time fav Knick. Bernard in his prime was BOSS

[@carlitosortiz2870]

His name says it all. 👑, it's funny because his brother Albert was the one who was suppose to be the superstar coming out of high school.

[@yuubokumin415]

The Knicks need to hire Bernard King as a team speaker. King is a really clear speaker! The Knicks really have to use Kings voice!

[@tpatrick6902]

Having witnessed all the great scorers from the 70's onward, If I had to choose just one, for one game, I'd pick Bernard King. King was one of only two players I ever saw make ten field goals in a row. He was frightfully efficient at scoring and could single handedly carry a team. One of my worst childhood memories was watching with my dad the night he blew his knee. We were speechless. If not for that injury, Jordan would have had to wait on those first few scoring titles. King was getting better when the injury struck. Still chokes me up. Congrats BK, you earned it.

[@bernardhenderson1146]

Couldn't agree anymore...

[@markwoldin162]

What a great comment. Are you a writer, my friend?

[@MsCody-rt7ne]

⚘ Beautifully said 👏🏽 we Bernard family & minds grew up in the same projects FG 👏🏽 him & his brother were a treat to watch. Their parents raised them to be Great men 🙋🏽‍♀️ Thank You for shinning your torch of Love on FG. The Bryant's will forever ❤ you & your families well deserve dedication. My brother Wayne has passed on 🕊 ~ Jo Ann

[@tedjob21]

I remember watch that night too, it was HORRIBLE!@

[@tldarden5895]

I definitely appreciated and enjoyed watching Bernard King, but more importantly I am extremely grateful for his contributions to the NBA. I must attest that learning about his trials and tribulations which he endured as well as conquer are the testimony of the character and integrity of his maturity as a mentor, teammate, friend, human being, son, brother, uncle, cousin, son in law, man, husband, and father, but more importantly as influential person who inspired others during his life's journey. Greatness comes to those who are willing to sacrifice for their success regardless of the odds.

[@LucasGenari]

"Mom and dad, I made it! Made it!" It chills me.

[@ronsworld250]

I have been a Celtics fan for close to 45 years and Bernard King was a dynamic player and scorer. I saw him single handily nearly defeat the ‘84 Celtics in the playoffs. He was unguardable. Loved watching him play and it broke my heart when he tore his ACL. I was so happy for him when he made it back to an All-Star level with the Bullets in the early 90s. His HOF induction is well deserved. Loved how he overcame some hard times and was able to persevere. Very humble and very articulate.

[@Amick44]

He was all that. Gave Celtics and Pistons teams with clearly superior talent ALL they could handle. Thanks to Bernard.

[@LetsGoMetsGo33]

Bernard is the best Knick scorer of all time. I feel he is the most underrated modern player... in NY at least. Do kids even know him? Retire his number Knicks.

[@troydixson1394]

I yes me way thrived to be benard king true story

[@capitanfuturo594]

THIS GUY IS A VERY UNDERRATED PLAYER. *THIS MAN WAS A REAL WARRIOR IN THE COURT.*

[@vegasloveforever2486]

BK was on a whole different level when not injured. That brother could play some serious ball.

[@kelvinkloud]

an efficient cold blooded assassin when healthy

[@seanfelder3578]

Bernard King should have his NY Knicks jersy retired asap

[@davidchan9632]

I agree. Since he's inducted to the Hall of Fame his number # 30 should be hanging on the garden rafters. More #'s should hang up there too.

[@thuaners]

i agree

[@johnkeros9109]

IT'S NOT RETIRED??? WHAT???

[@davidchan9632]

Very underatted. Yes, # 30 should have been retired. Should have made the 50 greatest players list. A sad shame he left NY & went to the Bullets. Glad he came back to the Nets & most of all inducted to the Basketball Hall of Fame. If he had stayed in NY the Knicks would have won several championships.

[@iadmire1991]

most underrated nba superstar ever. he was so efficient and no flash. humble classy, great man right there. hes forgotten sometime i think because of the lack of flash. the guy should have been in the hall YEARS ago. give him an allstar to play with and he would have won titles

[@Amick44]

YEARS ago is right. A disgrace he and Dennis Johnson had to wait.

[@richardernsberger5692]

One of the best offensive players in the history of the game--so quick, so smooth, such a quick release and soft shot. He was a joy to watch.

[@bryantennyson4694]

Thank you New York for the best Tennessee Volunteer basketball player of all time! Thank you Bernard King!! You're the greatest!!!

[@bryantennyson4694]

And my VOLS just beat the Zags!!! 76 to 73 go VOLS!!!

[@tonypalombinijr2946]

One of the most unstoppable low post players in the history of the game, but so much more. His offensive game was truly complete. Watch him going toe to toe with Bird in the "84 playoffs is something special.

[@JardoniJovonovich]

My hero when I was a child. Before the knee injury he was 1st team all nba on the front line with Bird. He was the greatest clutch scorer I ever saw . "Get it to B"!!!!

[@georgemartinez8434]

Bernard King great thought out and very articulate speech, one of the best I've heard so far, very dignified!

[@80sruler]

The King of the midrange game

[@marvelandgroup]

Dropped 50 with broken fingers on both hands. Probably the quickest shooter of all time.

[@kelvinkloud]

a release like dan marino

[@EdwardJoshua-tr9yt]

Not broken dislocated

[@Ragnar-Viking]

My favorite player of all time.When Bernard tore the ACL ? I think we all cried.

[@hoopsheavenpa]

First class player and a first class man!

[@omarcharles9420]

He'd give everyone in that room 60 in his day.

[@79steelymatt]

My favorite NBA player ever-he was a class act and should have been elected a long time ago-without the injuries he would have scored 5000-7000 more points and maybe another scoring title.Check out his stats from his first three seasons-pretty impressive.

[@billthebutcher2]

Lights out scorer, the knee injury was devastating. Had he not been injured, or competed in an era where medical technology was better at dealing with those things, he'd certainly be one of the top 10 scorers of all time at least. Just a fantastic player.

[@waynerogers2007]

A scoring machine. This man was impossible to guard. A true legend.

[@thinkcivil1627]

I lived in central Wisconsin, as a Buck's fan. But, I watched every game possible that King played in back during this era. If you get a chance to watch a high quality video of Bernard, watch his face because his concentration was intense. He was one of a handful of players who were unstoppable once they got hot and he could carry the team. Great to see him recognized for the incredible talent he was.

[@denisemitchell8477]

Just a class act articulate humble and the best forward at one time Luckily enough to see live At MSG Retire that Jersey MSG

[@megadriver23]

bernard king a class act in and outside of the court!!!

[@jimmysteene1187]

I am Boston fan but Benard King was one of the Greatest ever period !!!!!! Down with The King

[@highplanesdrifter9383]

I loved watching Bernard King play. ..Definitely one of the best...great scorer, I especially liked the turnaround jumper from the baseline. ..

[@guymalach5710]

The king of New York god bless bro

[@paulandreotti1639]

The real King of New York.

[@robc7064]

Living in New York he was my favorite player growing up. He was the best during that stretch on the Knicks before his knee went out. Unbelievable

[@elialpert6366]

One of the best that I have ever seen. I loved watching Bernard play.

[@SnoreBear44]

I just saw the 30 For 30 Bernie and Ernie show. King came from a very tough background, and I never really remember his interviews back then. He is humble and quite articulate...and man, could he play when healthy...or even not 100%. A scoring machine in his day, and one that is sometimes forgotten.

[@tomswill9189]

Awesome Game

[@pozr4530]

Such a fearless player. Back in the day, seemed like a one man show on offense.

[@SPB772]

Scoring Machine

[@tashrif46]

2:08 The Dream Hakeem Olajuwon! The greatest center, skill-wise, ever. The 1980s was the Golden Age of SFs. Julius Erving, Larry Bird were great, Bernard King was a dominant scorer, so was Alex English, Adrian Dantley, Mark Aguirre and then there was also athleticism with Big-Game James Worthy and Dominique Wilkins.

[@melvynsngltn27]

How many other Centers did you see play??

[@richardlau2447]

King dropping names. So humble.

[@jhors7777]

Very class speech Bernard. Very very well done.

[@jamesvickers5004]

A great player, reinvented himself after the knee injury, and way still a dominant player. I remember the Ernie and Bernie show at Tennessee one of the best duos of all-time

[@princee.w.barrett2512]

I lived in the building he lived in and played with Jerald, his younger brother.

[@tedjob21]

It's 2017 and Bernard, if he was 25 would still light up opponents today. With today's players, it's all about physical ability. With Bernard, it was a combination of sound fundamentals, physical and mental talent. AS someone who grew up a Celtics fan, Bernard is my favorite NBA player. He'd make a great coach.

[@donparisheo]

I remember when he'd get that serious look on his face. Bernard was a terror. I wish he would have at least mentioned his brother Albert. I was a fan of them both.

[@thenobleone-3384]

Bernard was really shy and quiet just like me. I'm more outgoing today but I'm still an Introvert. He's one of my favorite players of all time in the NBA

[@joewexler9568]

Knicks fan since 1966 best pure scoring knick of all time hands down

[@ericmatterson9905]

That injury probably cost the Knicks a championship. Ewing and King would have been a powerful duo that they could have built on.

[@raygordonteacheschess5501]

In 1991 it would have been interesting that's for sure.

[@johnflanagan9153]

Totally agree Eric since me being a Celtic's fan, I saw 'Nard up close and live many times during the eighties; Before his injury, he was the best small forward I'd ever seen, completely unstoppable with a mid range game that was so lethal and accurate, you couldn't overplay him. After his courageous comeback in 87, he came pretty damn close to what he was before. And, he almost became a Celtic in the fall of 87 after the Knicks stupidly thought he was damaged goods. What a talent and fine gentlemen.

[@ErnestPorter-wl1cx]

Bernard King was one of the best small Forward that ever played the game.

[@jlmartinez8482]

BERNARD WAS A BAD MAN !!!

[@bobbarry2153]

I agree iv'e always said that

[@MoveInSilence23]

King of New York

[@unnaturalselection8330]

Prime Bernard King would blow the doors off 99% of the league today ...and yet most don't even know who he is.

[@ShangoDC]

If he would have had a team around him, he would probably considered the best small forward of his era. King was unstoppable.

[@russelljackson5625]

Bernard was a beast and a top ten small forward of all time fosho! If he didn't' get injured he would have a been a top 50 player of all time

[@davidfenichel9024]

Bernard King was my all time favorite. No one has ever had a better playoff series than he had in 83-84 against the Pistons and Celtics. He was simply the best and the epitome of of what a team leader should be.. The pinnacle moment of Bernard’s Knick career took place in the game 5 OT vs the Pistons when with the game and series in the balance he got the ball at half court with Earl Cureton guarding him, tucked the ball under his left arm and with his right arm motioned to his four other teammates to move aside and then took Cureton down to the left baseline and calmly drained a 15 foot jumper to put the Knicks up for good. God bless you Bernard for the great memories that seem as fresh today as when you performed your magic almost 40 years ago!

[@GM-fx2jo]

the man could play......he was bad.....scary bad.

[@1963greenibandit]

50 with a broken finger my favorite KNICK replacing Frazier in his prime one of the greatest scorers ever

[@xxreppinxx614xx]

Arguably the best Knick of all time. Arguably a top 5 all time player if he wouldn't had suffered that injury a few years prior to be traded to Washington that lead to a lot of other nagging injuries that eventually did him in.

[@raygordonteacheschess5501]

He was truly great, and way better than Jordan in 1984.

[@joseperez1085]

What a class act, the great Bernard King.

[@Nick-fh9gy]

30 for 30 documentary was illuminating and heartfelt. A childhood filled with loneliness and pain. A very bright and introspective man. What a great lifelong friendship with Ernie. Godspeed Bernard.

[@mikkih5809]

I LOVE THI SPEECH!!!!!! What inspiring words from Brooklyn’s own!!!! Thank you for posting!!!!

[@darrylking2500]

Should have a league MVP The Man Could shoot the Lights out of the Ball one of the true Killer Scorer's

[@thuaners]

beautiful speech! i just finished reading his book Game Face. awesome book. i love Bernard King!

[@zzzz-ok7733]

Classic, just classic great all around of a man!🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆

[@devaughnmorris7315]

Bernard King was the reason why I became a Knick Fan. I try to emulate my game after his with the quick release.

[@MrJbee73]

Spectacular!

[@GaryFox11000]

Bernard was a terrific player. Very quick release ; really respected by all who knew & appreciated a fantastic , unique talented , basketball player. First class gentleman...👍🙋‍♂️

[@leeplunkett-py2xe]

Just absolutely class. This man is just amazing.

[@franklukas4527]

One of the all time greats.. and my favorites

[@kincamell2]

Much Gratitude

[@samiahmed6875]

The King of New York

[@waynejohanson1083]

One of the quickest releases I have ever seen.

[@duanecatton7505]

My heart was broken when he left Golden State in Free agency. Most efficient scorer I have ever seen. A legend from Brooklyn #30 King

[@mmcneil777]

This guy was humble, but determined...

[@1stshepherd]

One of the greats!! 🏀🏀🏀

[@williamstalvey6920]

A true professional and sure enjoyed your incredible talent. You were obviously raised right!! Proud of you!! Bill Atl

[@23chiffy]

love this guy. hell of a player and an even better man

[@michaelares4240]

A true Knick. God bless you my friend

[@mrstanbmw]

Great speech, the fact that he had Nique of their with him says a lot, Nique is the King of the ATL and one of the most humble and down to earth Superstars you ever wanted to meet.

[@tbone24100]

Game 5 vs Detroit in 1984!!!

[@danilosotojr8]

Class personafied ....." his moment " yet takes the time to acknowledge another great player! And that's how is done boys & girls : your moment YET you take the time to acknowledge others. Its called CLASS.!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@illogicalballhog1182]

As a big time Carmelo fan, I became aware of this great man coz he was Melo's idol. And there, I realized that this man is a natural bucket getter, even came back stronger after getting injured! Even Melo called this man the true King of NY! Him and Ewing in 91 would've beeb great but I guess the Knicks we're dumb even back in the days.

[@lisaforte1575]

Best speech ever.

[@sbradshaw1886]

I am so sick of this First Ballot HOF bullshit. Bernard King should not have had to wait until 2013 to get in. Same goes for many other players in the NBA and especially in the NFL. It's sad when you see these great players from the 60s/70s have to be represented by their wives when they should have been honored decades ago.

[@WeCube1898]

Awesome !!!!!!

[@jeepgrand1994]

1 of greatest shooters of all time!

[@rtosborne3]

It's absolutely ridiculous that it took 20 years for him to get elected.

[@Amick44]

It is. Just wrong and criminal.

[@jumpshot1369]

What a classy guy. True pro!

[@thepresident8207]

Greatest Knicks Ewing Frazier Monroe King Reed

[@brucescott4261]

BROOKLYN'S FINEST!!! LONG, LONG OVERDUE!!!

[@THEKOBE7612]

Are you serious people?? Most of the audience have no idea how great he was

[@mikeallred371]

Great player, one of the best to come out of New York

[@mas2526]

BK like a Boss....BAM!

[@rickturner9346]

Excellent

[@dotsonhauling2185]

One of the greatest to play the game.

[@bestlifenow2285]

Legend!!!

[@ThePinoyMamba]

yeah University of Tennessee!

[@markr831]

Growing up in East Tennessee and playing grade school basketball at the time the Ernie and Bernie show was at UT was a special time. We where even blessed to have tickets as a team to go see them play at the old Stokely Athletic Center (sadly , no longer there). I feel even more blessed to have seen this hall of fame induction. This is a side of Bernard that I never saw. I have much respect and hope nothing but the the best for him and his family.

[@mfcmfc8483]

Soul players can jump and dunk the ball. What can anyone tell me in a mole post has any player ever had a turnaround jumpshot like this man he had the quickest turnaround jumpshot I’ve ever seen and seem like no one even try to even come close. It’s almost like an ohm stable buck shot you catch it you spin you shoot a jumper Bernard king was the best at that. This man could play ball with the best of him in his time.

[@TAXENGINEER]

Best family orientated HOF acceptance speech that I ever heard.If you didn't get hurt Ewing would have gotten a ring for sure.Thank You Bernard King Thank You!!!

[@RoyPage1970]

This dude came back from a devastating injury and was an All-Star at 34 years old putting up 48 point games against the bulls and Knicks with a very average mediocre Washington bullets squad

[@kemtitanproductions8831]

Wish he would have played with Patrick Ewing. This dude was lights out.