John Starks: The Heart & Soul Of The 90s Knicks | The MSG Vault

The 90s Knicks were a team to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference. Their gritty play electrified New York City and sold out The Garden regularly. John Starks quickly became one of the most popular players from this era of Knicks basketball and is still a fixture today.
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[@ronaldr.236]

From bagging groceries, a bench player, to, finally, a starter and an all-star player. He may not have won a championship but # 3 will always have love from NY Knick fans. Thank you!

[@qnelson1000]

I went from the foster care system in the 1990s to being a Doctoral candidate in Psychology because of you # 3. You showed me to be fearless, to work hard and NEVER GIVE UP. Thank you!!!!

[@pedrofrancochau2643]

All the power to you my bro coming up, glad you were inspired!!

[@samuelhepburn2636]

Respect my brother, congratulations.!!!

[@christopheryousik2044]

Awesome post! There was no better vibe than Starks and the Knicks in the 90s.

[@kml6780]

This new york of starks, Oeklay, Mason, Ewing deserved a title!

[@tytaylor3596]

I'm from Philly and not a Knicks fan but watching this dude his whole career is inspiring and that dunk on Pip, Grant, and Yes...MJ too is hanging in my office. My respect to Starks!

[@tedoychorizo6434]

😀👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@youtuber3328]

my #1 TIED all-time favorite male athletes/jocks ever are the goats wilt chamberlain and bill russell

[@hughjass8383]

MJ, Pippen & Grant took that personally too

[@malignantmorningstar6289]

Starks was/is my all time favorite NBA player. He had so much heart. I love and respect how he played.

[@G3O.On3]

I miss those days, even with all the heart break.

[@JB-jx9bh]

When the NBA was great when he was allowed to play defense

[@tonyscardina3]

Me too. This 90's Knicks team was my "first favorite team." It helped develop my life long interest in basketball and in sports.

[@jonathanbethards3689]

just remember, when y'all finally win that next NBA title, it is gonna be SOOO sweet

[@universaltruthallah1064]

Starks my Favorite all time player

[@FearIVess]

Me too an i started off from mj i flipped to starks

[@ALLTRUTHSLIEWITHIN]

Me too ever since I was 9 yrs old in 1993, 3 was my basketball number all through school. I think I fell in love with him because of his passion for the game.

[@williamstryzs1485]

Don't ever feel bad Brother... You guys in the 90s is why I love basketball

[@TheSocialDistorter]

Starks was the heart and spirit of that NY team and I'll always respect his game and style

[@TruthHasSpoken]

Even as a Bulls fan ... I LOVED that Starks DUNK. Crazy good.

[@christopheryousik2044]

As a Knicks fan I also grew up a fan of Michael Jordan. He was so great, he surpassed the rules of fandom. 90s hoops was awesome!

[@mylordmygod123]

Starks is probably most popular player from 90’s Knicks, and resonated with NYC for being hard-working blue collar type player.

[@hughjass8383]

Derrick Rose is more heart & hard working than Starks; Derrick Rose is more of a hero to the Knicks than Starks is

[@johnnyboycassidy749]

​@@hughjass8383: ummmmmm....NO. lmao.

[@addos999]

still remember the old encyclopaedia britannica. for years, the clip of starks' 'dunk heard around the world' was right under the definition of a basketball dunk. dudes an absolute legend, and no one got the new york crowd going like him.

[@anthonywright5960]

John was underrated.. .. gave the best a run...

[@riverdalep]

One of my favorite players 💪🏾 he went hard and played with passion

[@jonathanbethards3689]

for real, I grew up a Lakers fan, but John Starks was always on my list of fave NBA players

[@alexlukhanin]

Respect, John! He was my favorite player in the middle of 90's.

[@man_of_thought]

These Knicks were a thorn in my side. Looking back at these highlights, I can really appreciate JS and his game. Dude had some undeniable heart and love for the game. It was a good time to grow up as a basketball fan in that era.

[@malignantmorningstar6289]

It was indeed. I loved that early-mid 90s era in the NBA. Better time all around.

[@christopheryousik2044]

Who was your team?

[@nksrower]

Never forget watching game 7 of '94 Finals as a 13 year old in Englewood, NJ. Broke my heart, but John Starks still my favorite player of all time. So much heart. 🏀⚡️

[@NickM11561]

The day John starks got traded I cried. I was 8 years old and had starks' posters all over my room. He was my absolute idol.

[@Leo-qe3gl]

😢

[@johnhassell6672]

My favourite player in any sport will always be #3.

[@harryjohnson4118]

When the Knicks were good 😢.

[@j.m.duarte4885]

90s

[@Juice-jx1pr]

90

[@RT-wp7oz]

30 years ago lol

[@mongoose470]

I saw Johnnie play at the five seasons center in the CBA. He played with his heart on his sleeve. He gave you everything he had, good and bad, lol. We loved him!

[@onlylordknowz9555]

Starks was a beast like he the most underrated guard in that time...he had all round game, threes, handle the ball good, steals,assist and would dunk on you if the window open..

[@carlosrivera4391]

He's played like he was built for New York. Some players you wish could play forever.

[@ronaldr.236]

The 90s Knicks wouldn't have been as competitive as they were without John Starks. He personified New York, wore his heart in his sleeves and gave it his all. It was a shame they came short of a championship. Those early 90s team were only comparable to the ones with Latrell and LJ in it but they were in a class by themselves as well. It's quite unfortunate that his skills didn't match his heart. Nevertheless, to come where he came from (bagging groceries) to starting in the NBA (in NY, no less) is a great accomplishment. Much like a lot of folks who've commented, I am a fan and give John Starks a lot of respect.

[@nationalchampions]

John Starks is one of my favorite players historically.

[@markmcfarland2579]

He had so much heart and soul. His country accent always caught me off guard

[@qnelson1000]

Much love and respect out to you #3; you inspired countless New Yorkers to give their all and work hard--including myself. Thank you!!!!

[@torbjornripstrand1103]

Starks was a real warrior and the Bulls Knicks series were the absolute highlights battles in the league.

[@Ed-jv3xu]

And one more thing he is an inspiration

[@3JTriple]

He was THE REAL KNICK.

[@24nysedadon]

This makes the future so much more sweet if we win a chip, it’s not only for the current players but for the Og’s who put in work for us in the 90’s!!!!! Go knicks!!!!!!

[@wilsonmara]

My fav knicks player oh the 90s decade

[@jasperjamal2489]

Favorite player growing up

[@kcnyc2302]

He would’ve definitely won finals MVP if he hit that shot over Hakeem. It’s still weird seeing other players on the Knicks wear number 3

[@knickerbockers2010]

its such a shame that just one shot can change history...... knicks would be champions, starks mvp, next years would attracjt more players and would build more confidence....it was just a lack of luck.....last 20 years, since 2000, knicks are only a shadow and disgrace

[@dddlll2471]

we lived and died by starks.... we died... still breaks my heart

[@sodapop1999]

No one plays like John Starks

[@Juice-jx1pr]

The good old days

[@edchiang]

The early classic New York Knicks jersey with John Stark, that;s so so so so New York.

[@loucontino4804]

I remember leaving the Garden the night the Knicks went up 3-2 against Houston, feeling we would take them in Game 6. In fact all of NYC did because out front street vendors were already selling unofficial World Champion NY Knicks Tee Shirts. After not winning Game 6, the die was cast for Houston. That was our best shot and our biggest heartbreak.

[@travy111]

As an Aussie kid in 97 growing tired of the MJ masterclass Stark's was my favourite player he was the a class of blue collor worker. Thanks for the memories Mr Stark

[@tedoychorizo6434]

I remember Starks, great basketball player! 😀👍🏻👍🏻

[@kmetzgr9594]

I loved his tenacity all throughout his years with the knicks

[@dnyce8224]

From Starks to Chris Childs to Wilkens to Trent Tucker to Derick Harper to Sprewell to Mark Jackson to Charlie Ward, etc etc!!!! The 90s Knick guards were tough!!!

[@spursnation5422]

I love his heart !!!! He was a fearless competitor!!!!

[@KevinKlampe-zu7pi]

Next level play maker with a next level elevator

[@letsgomets07]

Damn, loved Starks. Hey man can’t hate a guy for trying to win, he didn’t want to lose. Number 3 got my respect forever

[@tomashorvath6323]

1:57 - so instead of an easy lay-up, you go for a double reverse pump. bless you John Starks.

[@richardpatrick7701]

My favorite knick! What a fun time to be a fan!!!

[@xxBaddyxx123]

Always loved Starks

[@RT-wp7oz]

Did you love him during game 7 of the 94 finals

[@sheckyfeinstein]

I remember the guy being fearless. When he later came to my team, I was pleased.

[@Militarize]

Knicks need to find their next John Starks.

[@jb-vc2kn]

Derrick Rose is definitely the closest

[@flamingored960]

@@jb-vc2kn quickly

[@lin111k]

我很喜歡那時候的尼克隊！因為有他！

[@saintfrancisco]

My favorite basketball player of all time...

[@malignantmorningstar6289]

Same. I wore his jersey so proudly back in the early 90s.

[@larrygarner2333]

My fav Knick all time

[@Mikedastud]

Happy Birthday John Starks!!!

[@psimbyosis8162]

the most underrated NBA player ever.

[@DeeWunnHybrid]

My all time fav shooter 🔥🔥

[@xavierchazal9834]

Big John. I m a fan. Always a Knick !

[@logan5326]

John Starks felt and sweat that jersey like a true New Yorker (NYK🏀)! A true warriors on/off the court…go JS3 go!

[@jinfinitewaves5293]

R.i.p to the NBA...politics and entertainment dont mix at least I got a chance to witness games and players like these that cared about the game

[@bgd.11]

legend!! John Starks 3 !!

[@kurumais]

i loved that team

[@MrBez007]

Legend

[@rangergu951]

就像回到了旧日时光，当时 John Starks 是我最喜欢的球员，每周都看他的比赛。

[@sulomiller4945]

Loved Starks.

[@arosales80]

More heart than many

[@Ed-jv3xu]

😍❤️

[@hunny___]

Randle’s playoff performance was reminiscent of Starks.

[@kobebryant6484]

U chasing Mike around he should've known injury was coming .. He's very underrated..👍

[@janellemaynait]

Retired the #3 jersey already

[@tonegee1083]

This was when the nba was respectable

[@carbiv]

A great player and a great man too

[@patrickdelacruz6758]

Nothing comes close to you, Sir!

[@skalawitz]

Fun fact: his listed height is 6'5 but he actually is just swinging around 6'2 - 6'3. He said it himself in an interview or something like that a few years ago.

[@PunisherNYCC]

Pass the ball John, pass the ball john, so maybe...

[@peteinthedesert7082]

I hated this guy back in the day. I thought he was a bully, a cheap shot artist. Then I learned his story: undrafted, let got after 30 games by Golden State. Did not quit. CBA next few years. Never quit. Went to Knicks tryout in 1990. Got clocked (and injured) by Ewing in practice. Did not quit! Learned that in order to make the Knicks team, he had to 1) be full of energy, 2) be absolutely fearless, 3) play physical D, 4) never hesitate to shoot the ball. Dude played 8 years in NY, 12 years in the NBA. He's beloved in NY. That's success. I now admire him and his career. 99% of college players would have LOVED to have a career like John Starks had.

[@j.m.duarte4885]

For me,the best player on knick team at 90s After him,Latrell Sprewell, and Larry Jonhsoon,Huston soft player,too money for that player. Let's Go Knicks.

[@dwightlove3704]

Hubert Davis hit back to back 3s and nearly became the hero!!!!!!!!!

[@bornbranded29]

I remember John flipping off the Heat fans in that series where PJ Brown slammed Charlie Ward.

[@mikelydell4945]

So much fun to watch.... Can't understand how the nba let this franchise sink!!! Lottery is fake!!! Knicks benefit from the first lottery what happened after don't know... West? Why?

[@vergelselirio5325]

😊😊😊😊

[@bobbib5779]

im a gamer so thats where im going with this i remember they always did starks dirty in the nba live days wasnt fun to play with. There was someone i used instead i think it was harper cant remember atm

[@josephthayer4970]

How's better Manu Ginobili? Or john starks? Lemme hear why?

[@cantcatchzoom19]

Called that man little.. He was 6'5 lol

[@Trading_Cards_Immortal]

I think he should be in the Hall Of Fame just for playing with that much heart and taking the Knicks as far as they could’ve went.

[@peteyn.y.7960]

Back when the NBA was REAL I love John Starks, Oakley, Mason 🙏, Ewing..... Miss that team! New York 4 Trump/Pence 2020! Vote In Person!! That’s a wrap!!!

[@fan94knick75]

Trade DSJ +27+38+cash for Boston’s 14th to get Lewis or Maxey, but get Vassel at 8th

[@24nysedadon]

Kira Lewis!!!!!

[@fan94knick75]

D Grailz Kira Lewis and Jalen Smith, and somehow get Jahmi’us Ramsey. Imagine a young core Lewis, Ramsey, RJ, Jalen Smith, Mitch. Then add superstars around them. 🔥 🔥

[@MikeHunt-fo3ow]

damn it starks stop shooting

[@vergelselirio5325]

😊😊😊l

[@veng1974]

If only Starks put up 16-20 points a game consistently the Knick would of won a couple

[@aniketkesarkar9967]

Should have made that 3

[@businessinsider8734]

Still better than what Linsanity do for Knicks imo. So sad he never won. The 94 was the closer time where he could won the chip if his last shot went in. Another wasted talent of Knicks generation.

[@Loveoverhate_]

Lol the little guy ? Sparks is 6’4 6’5.

[@andreaspapadakis2602]

Starks is a better player than Westbrook..same athletisism and energy with a much better jumpshot and defense..Starks would have been a super star today but any ways he was the second guy on a very good title competing team behind Ewing..he went short against Houston but westbrook has choked his whole playoff career!

[@kareemmoreland9119]

It was awful seeing him in that Bulls uniform. It just wasn't right.

[@LightStreak567]

I'm a Bulls fan and I feel the same way. Starks and the Bulls don't mix right...

[@FuShengAlex]

@@LightStreak567 Starks asked to be released lol

[@LightStreak567]

@@FuShengAlex Released from the Bulls? He made the right call. It feels wrong seeing him not wear the New York Knicks jersey.

[@StoneColdGem]

MJ owned Starks

[@soramirez5473]

so you came on a Starks video to say that? wow.. Starks really was a thorn in MJ side lol.. for an all mighty JORDAN fan to grace us with your presence and comment on starks? you know the saying. loved or hated, you dont want to be unknown.. Guess starks DEFNITALEY wasnt' an unknown. lol

[@PesterFester1966]

Jordans ring are overrated.

[@soramirez5473]

@@PesterFester1966 maybe.. but they still rated higher than anyone elses rings.

[@PesterFester1966]

@@soramirez5473 You got me there 🤐

[@soramirez5473]

@@PesterFester1966 as you can see from this comment section, i'm no jordan fan, and I despise jordan fans. but as a knicks fan that witnessed that bastards greatness, i have to attest.. the man was satan..

[@urbanchangewithin624]

This exposed Pat Riley as a horrible coach. Didn’t adjust

[@vm53506]

He should've passed the ball.... And the next game he choked and just continued shooting.

[@swl5587]

Right, but there was no choice, cause riley kept using him, didn't use rolrando blackman.

[@timmyshore3755]

naked ? naked and afraid ?

[@timmyshore3755]

i don’t watch this stuff. 🙈🙉