Bernard King (born December 4, 1956) is an American retired professional basketball player known for his scoring ability and dramatic comeback after a severe knee injury. He played 14 seasons in the National Basketball Association, earning recognition as one of the most dangerous offensive wings of his era. For a concise profile see Bernard King overview.

Playing style and characteristics

King was primarily a wing scorer who combined quick footwork, a compact, high-release shot and the ability to finish through contact. He operated effectively from mid-range and in isolation situations, and defenders often struggled to contain his one-on-one moves. Observers and analysts have described him as a prolific scorer whose game relied on skill and timing rather than sheer athleticism. For more on his style and skills visit player analysis.

Career summary

Bernard King was selected in the first round of the 1977 NBA Draft and went on to play for several teams, including the New Jersey Nets, Utah Jazz, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks and the Washington Bullets. His most celebrated seasons came with the Knicks, where he emerged as one of the league's leading scorers. A concise timeline and statistics can be found at career statistics.

Achievements, injury and comeback

During the early to mid-1980s King earned multiple All-Star selections and is remembered for individual scoring feats and long scoring streaks. He suffered a major knee injury that cost him substantial playing time, but he mounted a successful comeback and continued to be an effective scorer afterward. His career and lasting impact are documented in retrospectives such as career retrospectives and comeback stories.

Legacy and recognition

King's contributions to the game were honored when he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on September 8, 2013. His journey from college standout to elite NBA scorer and eventual Hall of Famer highlights resilience and craft. For Hall of Fame materials see Hall of Fame entry and a broader context at historical summary.

  • Position: Wing (small forward / shooting guard)
  • College: University-level standout before entering the NBA
  • Notable: Multiple All-Star selections and one of the top scorers of his era

King remains a frequently cited example of a scorer whose technique and tenacity allowed him to excel both before and after a career-threatening injury. His career is often discussed by historians and fans when tracing the development of elite wing scorers in the modern NBA.