Starks Got It Out The Mud
Staying with the 90s Knicks theme this month, we gotta talk about a Knick Legend who went from packing grocery bags to a New York Knick Legend within a decade getting it out the mud.
First off this is a neat picture by Kelvin Kent
Where do I begin though on the topic of getting it out the mud?
Major Payne had them boys getting it out the mud for sure:
You know what the definition of getting it out the mud. When you get it out the mud, you accomplish a goal without no real co sign. For example I started running my podcast eight years ago, and I do everything myself with no team. That’s getting it out the mud. You know when the goddamn pigs built them three houses that the wolf blew down and they built them houses again? That’s getting it out the mud.
You know what’s getting it out the mud? My guy 19keys from Earn Your Leisure
Now John Starks? He definitely got it out the mud . John Levell Starks was born on August 10, 1965, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, endured a tumultuous upbringing in North Tulsa marked by poverty and instability.
His mother, raising seven children from six different fathers, struggled with abusive relationships, exposing Starks and his siblings to violence at home. The family’s constant relocation due to financial hardship often left them without basic necessities, such as food, further complicating their already challenging circumstances.
Starks really speaks about this in his book he put out recently as well called “My Life” go check it out:
Also shoutouts to the John Starks Foundation helping the youth:
Getting back to talking about Starks upbringing, two of Starks’ brothers found themselves entangled in the criminal justice system, serving jail time for drug-related offenses. However, amidst the darkness, there emerged a ray of hope in the form of Starks’ brother JuJu’s transformation. Incarcerated but finding solace in faith, JuJu accepted Christ as his savior, inspiring Starks to embark on a similar spiritual journey. A lot of people who go to jail usually find god with books, I got homies who read countless books while incarcerated. Reading helps the mind exercise is what my father always told me.
You know what Don’t Be A Menace Time:
This newfound faith became a cornerstone in Starks’ life, guiding him through the trials and tribulations he would encounter. Despite facing adversity both at home and in his community, Starks found refuge and purpose on the basketball court. Although his time at Tulsa Central High School saw him play only one year on the basketball team, it was enough to ignite a passion that would shape his future. Through dedication and perseverance, Starks honed his skills, eventually ascending to the ranks of professional basketball in the NBA. John Starks was also bagging groceries at the time at a local store in Tulsa at a fresh 18 years old. That’s the definition of getting it out the mud, feeding your family and doing something good for yourself.
You know what let’s watch this scene from the Godfather:
Now let’s talk about Starks college to the NBA stint.
Following his high school graduation, John Starks enrolled at Rogers State College in 1984, eager to pursue his academic and athletic aspirations. However, his time at Rogers State was marked by controversy as he found himself relegated 3rd string a position reserved for backup players. Starks his tenure at Rogers State came to an abrupt end when he was expelled for stealing another student's stereo equipment. This incident stemmed from a retaliatory act against a student who had broken into Starks' dorm room, leading the college to hold Starks and his roommates financially responsible for the damages incurred. Undeterred by his expulsion, Starks transferred to Northern Oklahoma College in the spring of 1985, where he earned a spot on the basketball team. However, his time at Northern Oklahoma College was marred by legal troubles, as he received a five-day jail sentence for the aforementioned robbery incident. Despite facing adversity, Starks served his sentence during spring break and continued to showcase his basketball talents, averaging 11 points per game for Northern Oklahoma. Nevertheless, Starks' stint at Northern Oklahoma College was short-lived, as he left the institution after being caught smoking cannabis in his dormitory.
It’s crazy to me how weed is allowed in the NBA and NFL now. Weed growing up was viewed as a harmful drug but it’s not in my opinion. For Starks to almost have his career cut short for smoking weed is blasphemous to me.
Fuck it Percy talk about weed brother:
Seeking to turn his life around, Starks pursued a business degree at Tulsa Junior College in the summer of 1986 while working at a Safeway supermarket. It was during his time at Tulsa Junior College that Starks caught the attention of Ken Trickey, the former coach of Oral Roberts University, who was establishing a basketball program for Oklahoma Junior College. For me when I write I always make sure I have a picture of these good brothers who helped shape some of these basketball players lives.
Sleep In Peace Oral Roberts
Starks joined the team and played for a season before earning a scholarship at Oklahoma State University in 1988. At Oklahoma State, Starks concluded his collegiate career, Starks did well enough that Oklahoma State University gave him a scholarship for the 1987-88 season, Starks played in 30 games and averaged 15.4 points per game for the Cowboys. Despite the challenges he faced during his journey through various colleges, Starks' perseverance ultimately paved the way for his successful career in the NBA.
John Starks faced initial disappointment when he went undrafted in the 1988 NBA draft. However, he didn't let this setback deter him, signing with the Golden State Warriors as a free agent in September 1988. Despite his signing, Starks found himself playing limited minutes, appearing in only 36 games while fellow shooting guard Mitch Richmond claimed the Rookie of the Year title.
Here’s some Mitch Richmond highlights:
Ultimately, Starks was cut from the team at the end of the season, prompting him to explore opportunities in other basketball leagues.
Heres some rare Starks with Golden State footage by the way how the fuck Golden State every era has a great guard? I guess it’s in their DNA but here:
You know what? Starks vs Spreewell why not:
Turning to the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) and the World Basketball League (WBL), Starks showcased his talents and earned All-Star honors in both leagues during the 1989-1990 and 1990-1991 seasons. It was during this time that Starks caught the attention of the New York Knicks, who extended an invitation for him to try out for the team in 1990. Aware of the importance of making a strong impression, Starks approached the opportunity with determination. We talking getting it out the mud here ladies and gentlemen. Life or death, finals or bust, to be or not to be
During a practice session with the Knicks, Starks attempted to make a statement by dunking over the team's All-Star center, Patrick Ewing. However, Ewing's defense prevailed, resulting in Starks suffering a twisted knee. Unbeknownst to Starks, the Knicks were considering cutting him, but NBA rules prevented them from doing so due to his injury at the time. As Starks recovered from his injury, the Knicks found themselves short on players and decided to give him a chance. Ewing's unintentional role in Starks' injury inadvertently saved Starks from being cut, as NBA regulations prohibited releasing injured players. This twist of fate allowed Starks to remain on the Knicks' roster, eventually earning a spot as the team's starting shooting guard. Over the course of eight seasons with the Knicks from 1990 to 1998, Starks became a vital component of the team, contributing both on the court and as a leader in the locker room. Making the most of his opportunity, Starks emerged as a reliable starter during the 1990-1991 season, starting in ten games and averaging 7.6 points and 3.3 assists per game. In 1991-92 Starks would have an increase role on the team and for the season he averaged 13.9 points and 3.4 assists per game.
Starks' breakout season came in 1992-1993 when he started 51 games for the Knicks, elevating his game to new heights. Averaging 17.5 points and 5.1 assists per game, Starks demonstrated his scoring prowess and playmaking ability, establishing himself as a key contributor to the team's success. This season would also see multiple moments in history with Starks that even I watch to this day. For example, head butting Reggie Miller ugly ass in the first round
Dubbed as "The Dunk," Starks' memorable play occurred in Game 2 of the 1993 Eastern Conference Finals against the Chicago Bulls after beating the Pacers asses.
Oh my god Charles Smith you fucking Bum:
With the game on the line, Starks drove along the baseline, rising up to dunk over Horace Grant and Michael Jordan with his left hand, electrifying the crowd and leaving an indelible mark on Knicks history. This iconic moment encapsulates Starks' impact on the team and his ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most.
Named an NBA All-Star in 1994, Starks showcased his skill and versatility on the court, contributing both offensively and defensively to the team's success.
His defensive prowess earned him recognition on the All-Defensive Second Team for the 1992-1993 season, highlighting his ability to impact the game on multiple fronts. In addition to his defensive prowess, Starks made significant contributions to the Knicks' offense, earning the title of the League's Sixth Man of the Year for the 1996-1997 season. His scoring ability and playmaking skills were instrumental in the team's success, as evidenced by his career averages of 14.1 points and 2.9 assists per game as a Knick. Starks played a pivotal role on the 1994 Eastern Conference Championship team, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure on the biggest stage. Not only did Starks excel individually, but he also etched his name in the Knicks record books, becoming the franchise's all-time leader in three-point field goals with 982 made shots from beyond the arc. Additionally, he ranks 12th in total points (8,489), eighth in assists (2,394), and seventh in steals (711) in Knicks history, further solidifying his legacy as one of the team's greatest players. These numbers are subject to change due to Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson being knick players now but we will see.
The 1994 NBA Finals marked a significant moment in John Starks' career, albeit one filled with both triumph and disappointment. The emotional toll of losing his uncle weighed heavily on John Starks as he prepared for Game 1 of the Finals. Despite attending the funeral and honoring his family commitments Starks wanted to play. However, Starks refused to let adversity define him, and in the subsequent games, he showed remarkable resilience and determination. Averaging 21 points and seven assists in the next five games, Starks proved his ability to bounce back from adversity and deliver when it mattered most. His outstanding performance helped tie the series at three games apiece, setting the stage for a thrilling Game 7 showdown in Houston.With Starks regaining his shooting touch and making nearly half of his shot attempts, including crucial three-pointers, the Knicks entered Game 7 with confidence. Despite the ultimate outcome of the series, Starks' resilience and determination in the face of personal tragedy were evident, earning him the respect and admiration of fans and teammates alike.Indeed, dealing with the loss of a loved one during such a pivotal moment in his career undoubtedly added an extra layer of stress which caused sleep deprivation for Starks during the finals. In Game 3 against the Houston Rockets, with the Knicks trailing by 3 points, Starks was fouled while attempting a game-tying 3-pointer. However, at the time, NBA rules only allowed for 2 free throws on a foul during a 3-point attempt. Despite making both free throws, the Rockets ultimately secured a 93-89 victory. This moment was compounded by the New York Rangers' Stanley Cup win, celebrated on the Knicks' home court, adding to the pressure for the Knicks to bounce back.
However, Starks and the Knicks faced further heartbreak in Game 6 when Hakeem Olajuwon blocked Starks' last-second 3-point attempt, sealing an 86-84 victory for the Rockets.
Game 7 brought even more misery for Starks, as he struggled from the field, shooting just 2-for-18, including 0-for-10 in the crucial fourth quarter. Such a huge blow to the Knicks and Pat Riley, to a fault Riley based his rotations on emotion rather than just pure basketball judgement
Fuck it Patrick Ewing ain’t safe either it wasn’t just Starks
Fuck Pat Riley and his beef with Rolando Blackman probably cost the Knicks a championship
Strickland nice picture brothers The Strickland
Or maybe it was goddamn game 5 and OJ Simpson and his damn white bronco
The Knicks fell short, and the Rockets clinched the championship, denying New York the chance to celebrate both NBA and NHL championships in the same year. Following the 1994 season, the Knicks underwent changes, including the departure of head coach Pat Riley and the hiring of Don Nelson, which reignited tensions reminiscent of Starks' time with the Golden State Warriors. Under Nelson's leadership, Starks found himself relegated to the bench, with Hubert Davis taking over the starting role. Despite the challenges, Starks remained a valuable contributor off the bench, ultimately winning the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 1997 for his consistent performance and contributions to the team's success.
John Starks, renowned as one of the most beloved and dynamic players in New York Knicks history, transitioned seamlessly into a role off the court after his playing days.
Since 2005, Starks has served as the Alumni Relations and Fan Development Advisor for the New York Knicks, dedicating himself to expanding Knicks alumni relations, community outreach, and fan engagement initiatives. In the front office, Starks plays an integral role in suite sales, sponsorships, and marketing endeavors, embodying the team's commitment to fostering strong connections with its fan base. Continuing his legacy of community involvement, Starks remains actively engaged in a variety of youth-oriented initiatives throughout the Metropolitan area. In 1994, he established the John Starks Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance to college-bound students in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, and his hometown of Tulsa. The foundation prioritizes students who demonstrate academic excellence, a dedication to community service, and financial need, reflecting Starks' commitment to giving back to his community.
Furthermore, Starks has long been involved in mentoring and inspiring young athletes through the annual John Starks Youth Basketball Camp in Purchase, NY.
This camp provides aspiring basketball players with the opportunity to learn from Starks and his experienced coaching staff, emphasizing skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship.In recognition of his contributions to both athletics and philanthropy, Starks was honored with Tulsa's Henry P. Iba Citizen Athlete of the Year Award in 1997, a testament to his dedication to making a positive impact both on and off the court. Additionally, Starks hosts a celebrity golf tournament in Greenwich, CT, each year to benefit the John Starks Foundation's 3-Point Scholarship, furthering his commitment to supporting educational opportunities for deserving students.
Even after his playing days with the Knicks, Starks remained dedicated to community outreach efforts during his subsequent stints with the Golden State Warriors, Chicago Bulls, and Utah Jazz. His autobiography, "John Starks: My Life," released in 2004, offers readers a deeper understanding of his remarkable journey from basketball phenom to philanthropic leader, inspiring others to strive for greatness both on and off the court.
Shoutouts to John Starks for getting it out the mud and giving back to his community. I hope to see a John Starks on the current knick roster some day for sure. Thank you reader for reading my Substack articles, I have so much fun doing these.
Many more to come I promise
