History of John Starks in Timeline
John Starks is a former American professional basketball player, primarily a shooting guard, who played in the NBA. Undrafted in 1988 after attending several colleges including Oklahoma State University, Starks rose to prominence with the New York Knicks in the 1990s. His contributions to the Knicks led to him being named an NBA All-Star during his career.
5 hours ago : John Starks reminisces NBA era, Windhorst critiques, recalls 90s Eastern Conference battles.
John Starks expressed nostalgia for the NBA era. Brian Windhorst criticized Starks. Starks remembered the tough 1990s Eastern Conference competition and his desire to play against top players.
August 10, 1965: John Starks' Birth
On August 10, 1965, John Levell Starks was born. He later became a professional basketball player in the NBA.
1968: Louie Dampier's Single-Season ABA Record
In 1968, Louie Dampier held the single-season ABA record with 199 three-pointers.
1984: Enrolled at Rogers State College
In 1984, Starks enrolled at Rogers State College and was on the "taxi squad" of the basketball team.
1985: Transferred to Northern Oklahoma College
In 1985, Starks transferred to Northern Oklahoma College, made the basketball team, and served five days in jail for robbery. He left the college after being caught smoking cannabis.
December 13, 1986: Married Jackie
On December 13, 1986, John Starks married his wife Jackie.
1986: Enrolled at Tulsa Junior College
In the summer of 1986, Starks enrolled at Tulsa Junior College to pursue a business degree and played intramural basketball.
September 1988: Signed with Golden State Warriors
In September 1988, Starks signed with the Golden State Warriors as a free agent after going undrafted in the NBA draft.
1988: Undrafted in NBA Draft
In 1988, John Starks was undrafted in the NBA draft despite attending four colleges in Oklahoma. He later signed with the Golden State Warriors as a free agent.
1988: Scholarship at Oklahoma State University
In 1988, Starks earned a scholarship at Oklahoma State University, where he finished his collegiate career.
1989: Played in Continental Basketball Association
In 1989, Starks played in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) for the Cedar Rapids Silver Bullets.
1990: Played in World Basketball League and CBA
In 1990, Starks played in the World Basketball League (WBL) for the Memphis Rockers and also continued playing in the Continental Basketball Association.
1990: Tried Out for New York Knicks
In 1990, Starks tried out for the New York Knicks. An incident with Patrick Ewing during practice led to him staying with the team and eventually becoming a key player.
1992: Participated in NBA Slam Dunk Contest
In 1992, Starks participated in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest.
1992: Named to NBA All-Defensive Second Team
In 1992, Starks was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team.
1993: "The Dunk" against the Chicago Bulls
In Game 2 of the 1993 Eastern Conference Finals, Starks executed "The Dunk" over Horace Grant and Michael Jordan, becoming a famous play in his career.
1994: NBA Record for Three-Pointers
In 1994, John Starks became the first player in NBA history to make 200 three-pointers in one season.
1994: 1994 NBA Finals Against Houston Rockets
In the 1994 NBA Finals against the Houston Rockets, Starks was fouled while attempting a three-pointer in Game 3. In Game 6, Olajuwon blocked his last-second shot. In Game 7, Starks struggled, and the Rockets won the championship.
1995: First Player to Hit 200 Three-Pointers
In 1995, Starks became the first player to hit 200 three-pointers in a single season. Pat Riley left the Knicks, and Don Nelson was hired, causing tension.
1996: Allan Houston takes over Starks' spot
In 1996, Allan Houston replaced Starks in the starting lineup. Starks continued to contribute as a bench player.
February 18, 1997: Buzzer-Beating Three-Pointer vs. Phoenix Suns
On February 18, 1997, Starks hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer to secure a 95-94 victory against the Phoenix Suns at home. This was the most dramatic regular season moment of Starks' career, being his only buzzer beater to win an NBA game.
1997: NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award
In 1997, despite not starting, Starks won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award.
1998: Ended Knicks Career
In 1998, Starks concluded eight seasons playing for the New York Knicks.
January 1999: Traded Back to Golden State Warriors
In January 1999, Starks was traded back to his original team, the Golden State Warriors, along with Chris Mills and Terry Cummings, in exchange for Latrell Sprewell.
1999: Played for the Chicago Bulls
In 1999, Starks played for four games with the Chicago Bulls during the 1999-2000 season.
February 2000: Traded to the Chicago Bulls
In February 2000, Starks was traded to the Chicago Bulls as part of a three-team trade that sent Billy Owens and Larry Hughes to the Warriors.
2000: Joined the Utah Jazz
In 2000, Starks finished his career with the Utah Jazz.
2000: Released by Chicago Bulls
In 2000, the Chicago Bulls released Starks after he requested to be released without pay so he could join a contender. An arbitrator ruled he could be released but would not be playoff eligible. He was ultimately released so the Bulls could focus on younger players.
2002: End of Career with Utah Jazz
In 2002, Starks finished playing for the Utah Jazz.
2002: Retirement from NBA
In 2002, after failing to make an NBA team, Starks retired with 10,829 career points. Currently, he works for the Knicks as an alumnus and fan development official and as an analyst on MSG Network.
2003: Head Coach of Westchester Wildfire
In 2003, Starks served as the head coach of the Westchester Wildfire during the United States Basketball League season.
2004: Published Autobiography
In 2004, Starks' autobiography, "John Starks: My Life", was published.
January 2026: Public Service Announcements on Subway
In January 2026, Starks recorded Public Service announcements on the MTA New York City Transit Authority's subway system.
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