Bernard King Biography: The Life and Career of a Basketball Legend
Bernard King is a former professional basketball player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest scorers in NBA history. Born on December 4, 1956, in Brooklyn, New York, King grew up in a family of basketball players and developed a love for the sport at a young age. He went on to have an illustrious career that spanned over a decade and included numerous accolades and achievements.
King’s early life was marked by tragedy and hardship, as his father left the family when he was young and his older brother was killed in a car accident. Despite these setbacks, King remained focused on basketball and excelled in the sport throughout his youth. He attended Fort Hamilton High School in Brooklyn, where he quickly established himself as a star player and led his team to a city championship in his senior year.
After graduating from high school, King went on to play college basketball at the University of Tennessee, where he continued to impress with his scoring ability and athleticism. He was eventually drafted by the New Jersey Nets in 1977 and began his professional career in the NBA. Over the course of his career, King played for several teams, including the Nets, the Utah Jazz, the Golden State Warriors, the New York Knicks, and the Washington Bullets. He retired from professional basketball in 1993 and has since become a respected commentator and analyst for the sport.
Key Takeaways
- Bernard King is a former professional basketball player known for his scoring ability and athleticism.
- King’s early life was marked by tragedy and hardship, but he remained focused on basketball and excelled throughout his youth.
- Over the course of his career, King played for several NBA teams and has since become a respected commentator and analyst for the sport.
Early Life
Bernard King was born on December 4, 1956, in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in a family of basketball players, with his older brother Albert King also playing in the NBA. King attended Fort Hamilton High School in Brooklyn, where he began to develop his basketball skills.
King went on to play college basketball at the University of Tennessee, where he was a two-time SEC Player of the Year. He was also named an All-American in both his junior and senior years. During his time at Tennessee, King averaged 25.8 points and 13.2 rebounds per game.
King was drafted seventh overall by the New Jersey Nets in the 1977 NBA draft. He had an immediate impact in the league, averaging 24.2 points and 9.5 rebounds per game in his rookie season.
High School Career
Bernard King was born on December 4, 1956, in Brooklyn, New York. He attended Fort Hamilton High School in Brooklyn, where he played basketball under the guidance of coach Bob Oliva. During his high school career, King quickly established himself as one of the best high school basketball players in New York City.
In his senior year, King led Fort Hamilton to a 24-2 record and a city championship. He averaged 42.6 points and 18.7 rebounds per game, earning him the title of New York City Player of the Year. King’s high school performance caught the attention of several college recruiters, and he eventually committed to play at the University of Tennessee.
King’s high school career was marked by his exceptional scoring ability and his tenacious rebounding. He was known for his ability to score from anywhere on the court, whether it be from the perimeter or in the paint. King’s size and strength also made him a dominant force on the boards, allowing him to grab a high number of rebounds each game.
Overall, Bernard King’s high school career was a sign of things to come. He would go on to become one of the greatest basketball players of all time, and his high school career was just the beginning of his journey to greatness.
College Career
University of Tennessee
Bernard King attended the University of Tennessee where he played college basketball for the Tennessee Volunteers. During his sophomore year, King led the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in scoring with an average of 26.4 points per game, which earned him the SEC Player of the Year award. He also earned All-American honors that year.
King continued to excel during his junior year, averaging 25.8 points and 13.2 rebounds per game. He finished his college career ranking second all-time in UT history with 1,962 career points and 1,004 rebounds. His 1,962 career points are the most ever by any Vol who played fewer than four seasons. With 1,004 rebounds in his career, he remains one of only two Vols to reach the 1,000-rebound mark.
King’s college career was marked by his exceptional scoring ability and his dominance on the court. He was known for his aggressive style of play and his ability to score from anywhere on the court. His success at Tennessee earned him a spot in the 1977 NBA Draft, where he was selected by the New York Nets with the seventh overall pick.
Overall, Bernard King’s college career at the University of Tennessee was a testament to his talent and dedication as a basketball player. His exceptional scoring ability and his ability to dominate on the court earned him numerous accolades and set the stage for his successful career in the NBA.
Professional Career
New York Knicks
Bernard King played for the New York Knicks from 1982 to 1987. During his time with the Knicks, he was a four-time NBA All-Star and led the league in scoring during the 1984-85 season. King was known for his scoring ability and was one of the best players in the league during his time with the Knicks.
New Jersey Nets
King was drafted by the New Jersey Nets in 1977 and played for them for two seasons before being traded to the Utah Jazz. During his time with the Nets, King was one of the team’s best players and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Team in his first season.
Utah Jazz
King played for the Utah Jazz for one season before being traded to the Golden State Warriors. While he only played one season with the Jazz, King was still a productive player and averaged over 21 points per game.
Washington Bullets
After playing for the Golden State Warriors for one season, King was traded to the Washington Bullets. He played for the Bullets from 1987 to 1991 and was a key player on the team. King helped lead the Bullets to the playoffs in his first season with the team and was named to the NBA All-Star Team during the 1990-91 season.
Post-Retirement
After retiring from the NBA, Bernard King remained involved in basketball. He worked as a color commentator for the New Jersey Nets and the Atlanta Hawks. He also worked as a motivational speaker, sharing his experiences and inspiring others to achieve their goals.
In addition to his basketball career, King is also an accomplished author. He has written several books, including “Game Face: A Lifetime of Hard-Earned Lessons On and Off the Basketball Court” and “The Bernard King Story: From Triumph to Tragedy and Back Again.”
King has also been active in philanthropy. He founded the Bernard King Foundation, which supports education, health, and wellness initiatives for underprivileged children. The foundation has partnered with organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Children’s Aid Society.
In recognition of his contributions to basketball, King was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013. He was also named to the NBA’s 50th Anniversary All-Time Team in 1996.
Despite facing numerous challenges throughout his life, King has remained resilient and continues to inspire others through his work on and off the court.
Legacy
Bernard King’s legacy as a basketball player is well established. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013, and his number 30 jersey was retired by the New York Knicks in 1985. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest scorers in NBA history, and his style of play has been emulated by many players since his retirement.
Off the court, King has been an active philanthropist, supporting a variety of causes. He founded the Bernard King Foundation in 1985, which focuses on providing educational opportunities for underprivileged children. He has also been involved in numerous other charitable organizations, including the United Negro College Fund and the Special Olympics.
King has also authored a memoir, “Game Face: A Lifetime of Hard-Earned Lessons On and Off the Basketball Court,” which was published in 2017. The book chronicles his life and career, including his struggles with addiction and his comeback from a devastating knee injury.
Overall, King’s legacy is one of perseverance, determination, and excellence both on and off the court. He remains an inspiration to many, and his impact on the game of basketball and the world at large is undeniable.
Personal Life
Bernard King was born on December 4, 1956, in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in a family of basketball players, with his brother Albert King also playing in the NBA. Bernard’s father, Julius King, was a New York City police officer.
Off the court, King is known for his philanthropic work. He established the Bernard King Foundation in 1985, which focuses on education and health initiatives for underprivileged children. He has also been involved with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the American Heart Association.
In his personal life, King has been married twice. He was first married to Cindy Clerico, with whom he has two children. The couple divorced in 1992. He later married Shana Taylor, and the couple has two children together.
Awards and Achievements
Throughout his professional basketball career, Bernard King received numerous awards and accolades for his outstanding performance on the court. Here are some of his most notable achievements:
- 4-time NBA All-Star: King was selected to play in the NBA All-Star game four times during his career (1982, 1984, 1985, 1991).
- 2-time All-NBA First Team: King was named to the All-NBA First Team in 1984 and 1985.
- 1985 NBA Scoring Champion: King led the NBA in scoring during the 1984-1985 season, averaging 32.9 points per game.
- NBA Comeback Player of the Year (1980-1981): After a devastating knee injury in the 1980-1981 season, King made a remarkable comeback the following year and was named the NBA Comeback Player of the Year.
- SEC Player of the Year (1975-1977): King played college basketball at the University of Tennessee, where he was named the SEC Player of the Year in all three seasons he played.
- Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2013): King was inducted into the Hall of Fame in recognition of his outstanding career and contributions to the sport of basketball.
King’s achievements on the court were a testament to his incredible skill, hard work, and dedication to the sport. He remains one of the most respected and admired players in the history of basketball, and his legacy continues to inspire young athletes around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bernard King’s career high points in a single game?
Bernard King’s career high points in a single game is 60. He achieved this feat while playing for the New York Knicks against the New Jersey Nets on Christmas Day in 1984.
Who is Bernard King’s brother?
Bernard King’s brother is Albert King, who also played in the NBA. Albert King was drafted by the New Jersey Nets in the first round of the 1981 NBA draft and played for the Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, San Antonio Spurs, and Washington Bullets.
What is Bernard King’s current status?
As of the current date, Mon Oct 30 2023, Bernard King is retired from professional basketball.
What was Bernard King’s nickname?
Bernard King’s nickname was “King of New York”.
What is Bernard King’s family background?
Bernard King was born in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up in a large family with five brothers and three sisters. His mother, Julia, was a nurse, and his father, Carl, was a transit police officer.
Why did Bernard King retire from basketball?
Bernard King retired from basketball due to a combination of age and injuries. He suffered a torn ACL in his right knee in 1991, and after a failed comeback attempt, he officially retired in 1993.