John Starks is a retired American professional basketball player with an estimated net worth of $20 million.
Despite going undrafted, Starks carved out a remarkable NBA career, becoming one of the most beloved figures in New York Knicks history during the 1990s.
Over the course of his NBA career, Starks earned approximately $25 million in salary alone, a significant achievement for a player who entered the league without the backing of a draft pedigree.
He is best remembered for his toughness, clutch shooting, and one of the most iconic moments in Knicks lore, simply known as “The Dunk.” Starks also made history as the first NBA player to hit more than 200 three-pointers in a single season.
Early Life And Challenging Beginnings
John Levell Starks was born on August 10, 1965, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His path to NBA stardom was anything but conventional.
After attending Tulsa Central High School, where he played just one season of varsity basketball, Starks enrolled at Rogers State College in 1984.
His time at Rogers State was short-lived. Following a disciplinary incident that resulted in his expulsion, Starks transferred to Northern Oklahoma College in 1985.
After serving a brief jail sentence related to the incident, he earned a spot on the basketball team but later left the school due to another disciplinary issue.
Determined to turn his life around, Starks enrolled at Tulsa Junior College, initially pursuing a business degree.
His basketball talent soon resurfaced, and he was invited to play for the school’s team, where he spent one season rebuilding both his skills and reputation.
In 1988, his perseverance paid off when he earned a scholarship to Oklahoma State University, where he completed his collegiate basketball career.
NBA Career And Rise With The New York Knicks
Starks entered the professional ranks in September 1988, signing as a free agent with the Golden State Warriors.
He appeared in 36 games during the 1988–89 season, but an injury late in the year led to his release.
For the next two seasons, he competed in the NBA’s minor league system with the Cedar Rapids Silver Bullets and the Memphis Rockers.
His career-defining opportunity arrived in 1990, when he tried out for the New York Knicks. After suffering an injury during the tryout, the Knicks were forced to keep him on the roster.
Once healthy, Starks seized his chance, eventually earning the role of starting shooting guard.
From 1990 to 1998, Starks became a cornerstone of the Knicks, known for his defensive intensity, fearless shot selection, and emotional leadership. He played a pivotal role in the team’s consistent playoff success throughout the decade.
“The Dunk” And Knicks Immortality
One of the most iconic moments in Knicks history occurred during the 1993 Eastern Conference Finals against the Chicago Bulls.
In a defining play now remembered simply as “The Dunk,” Starks drove to the basket and finished a powerful left-handed dunk over Horace Grant and Michael Jordan, electrifying Madison Square Garden.
The play instantly became a symbol of the Knicks’ gritty identity and cemented Starks’ place in franchise lore.
Peak Seasons And Historic Achievements
The following season, Starks helped lead the Knicks to the 1994 NBA Finals, where they narrowly lost to the Houston Rockets in a seven-game series. That year, he averaged a career-high 19 points per game.
In the 1994–95 season, Starks made NBA history by becoming the first player to hit over 200 three-pointers in a single season, finishing with 217 made threes.
The Knicks continued to reach the playoffs in each of the next three seasons Starks played with the team, reinforcing their status as perennial contenders.
Later Career And Retirement
After leaving New York, Starks played two seasons with the Golden State Warriors, followed by stints with the Chicago Bulls and Utah Jazz.
He retired from professional basketball in 2002, finishing his career with 10,829 total points.
Life After Basketball And Business Ventures
Following retirement, Starks transitioned smoothly into media and business. He currently works as a pre-game and post-game analyst for New York Knicks home games on the MSG Network, maintaining a strong connection with the franchise and its fans.
He is also a part-owner of Ektio, a basketball shoe brand designed to help reduce ankle injuries, reflecting his commitment to athlete safety and innovation in sports equipment.
Personal Life And Family
John Starks has been married to his wife, Jackie, since December 13, 1986. The couple has three children: a son, John Jr., born in 1987, and two daughters, Chelsea and Tiara.
Family has remained a central part of Starks’ life throughout his career and retirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was John Starks drafted into the NBA?
No, John Starks went undrafted and earned his NBA career through free agency and perseverance.
What is John Starks most famous for?
He is best known for “The Dunk” against the Chicago Bulls and for being the first NBA player to make 200 three-pointers in a season.
What does John Starks do now?
He works as a Knicks analyst on MSG Network and is a part-owner of the Ektio basketball shoe brand.