History of Walt Frazier in Timeline

Walt "Clyde" Frazier is a retired American professional basketball player, primarily known for leading the New York Knicks to their only two NBA championships. A Hall of Fame inductee (1987), Frazier was a top perimeter defender and floor general. He earned further recognition as a member of the NBA's 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams, solidifying his place among the league's all-time greats. He was also the MVP of the first NBA-ABA Supergame in 1971. After retiring from basketball, Frazier transitioned into broadcasting, serving as a color commentator for Knicks games on the MSG Network.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1917: Launch of Converse Chuck Taylor

In 1917, the Converse Chuck Taylor was launched. At the time, it was the only basketball sneaker bearing a player's name until the release of the Puma Clyde.

March 29, 1945: Birth of Walt Frazier

On March 29, 1945, Walter "Clyde" Frazier Jr. was born. He would later become a prominent figure in the NBA.

Others born on this day/year

1964: Division II All-American

In 1964, Walt Frazier was named a Division II All-American, marking him as one of the premier collegiate basketball players.

1965: Named Division II All-American and NCAA Tournament Finals

In 1965, Walt Frazier was named a Division II All-American for the second consecutive year. That same year, he led SIU to the NCAA Division II Tournament finals, where they lost to the Evansville Purple Aces.

1966: Academically Ineligible

In 1966, Walt Frazier was academically ineligible to play basketball.

1967: NIT Championship and MVP

In 1967, Walt Frazier and SIU won the National Invitation Tournament (NIT), defeating Marquette University. Frazier was named the Most Valuable Player of the 1967 tournament.

1967: Drafted by the Knicks and Denver Rockets and nickname

In 1967, Walt Frazier was drafted fifth overall by the New York Knicks in the NBA. He was also drafted in the first round by the Denver Rockets in the ABA. During his rookie season with the Knicks, he picked up the nickname "Clyde".

October 30, 1969: 43-Point Game Against Houston Rockets

On October 30, 1969, Walt Frazier recorded 43 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists in a 123–110 win over the Houston Rockets.

1970: NBA Finals and Game 7 Performance

In 1970, Walt Frazier and the Knicks reached the NBA Finals. Despite Willis Reed's injury, the Knicks won Game 7, thanks to Frazier's outstanding performance of 36 points, 7 rebounds, 19 assists, and 6 steals.

1970: Knicks Championship & Monroe Trade

In 1970, Walt Frazier led the New York Knicks to their first NBA championship. Following the 1970-71 season, the Knicks traded for Earl Monroe, forming the "Rolls-Royce" backcourt.

May 1971: MVP of NBA-ABA Supergame

In May 1971, Walt Frazier was named MVP of the first of two All-Star games played between ABA and NBA players, known as NBA-ABA Supergames.

May 1971: NBA-ABA All-Star Game MVP

In May 1971, during the off-season, Walt Frazier scored 26 points and was named MVP of an exhibition game played between NBA and ABA All-Stars in Houston's Astrodome.

1971: Playoff Loss to Baltimore Bullets

In 1971, the Knicks were unable to repeat as champions, falling to the Baltimore Bullets in the second round of the playoffs, despite Walt Frazier averaging 20.4 points per game during the series.

1972: NBA Finals Loss to Los Angeles Lakers

In 1972, Walt Frazier and the Knicks returned to the NBA Finals, but lost to the Los Angeles Lakers, who completed a record-setting season with an NBA championship.

1972: NBA-ABA Supergames

In 1972, Walt Frazier played in the NBA-ABA Supergames.

1973: Second NBA Championship

In 1973, Walt Frazier led the Knicks to a second NBA championship, defeating the Lakers in a five-game series. His defense on Jerry West was key to the victory.

1973: Second Knicks Championship and First Puma Clyde Release

In 1973, Walt Frazier led the New York Knicks to their second NBA championship, defeating the Lakers. In 1973, the first Puma Clyde sneakers were released, making Frazier the first modern NBA star to have his own line of sneakers.

1973: First Puma Clyde Release

In 1973, the first Puma Clyde sneakers were released in honor of Walt Frazier. Until then, the Converse Chuck Taylor was the only basketball sneaker bearing a player's name.

1976: Traded to Cleveland Cavaliers

After the 1976-77 season, Walt Frazier was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Jim Cleamons. Frazier felt the trade was undesirable.

1976: Seventh and Final NBA All-Star Game Selection

In 1976, Walt Frazier was selected for his seventh and final NBA All-Star Game.

1979: Limited Play and Career Lows

In 1979, Walt Frazier experienced repeated foot injuries which limited his play to only 66 games over the course of three seasons with the Cavaliers. The 1979-80 season saw him playing only 3 games and averaging career-lows of 3.3 points and 2.7 assists before being waived.