Career Timeline of John Starks: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 22, 2026

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how John Starks made an impact.

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.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1984: Enrolled at Rogers State College

In 1984, Starks enrolled at Rogers State College and was on the "taxi squad" of the basketball team.

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.