SLAM Hardwood Classics Cover Hoodie - Bernard King (Before '94)

SLAM’s 75 Before ‘94 project came out during the 75th anniversary celebration of the NBA. Our magazine was founded in 1994, which means we missed decades of greatness. This project was our homage to all the stars who never got a chance to shine on a SLAM cover. 

Bernard King was Knicks royalty for three brilliant but brief seasons. The Brooklyn native was a machine from 1982 to 1985. His average of 22 points per game in his first season jumped to 26 points per game in his second season and then it jumped again to a league-best 33 points a game in that final season. 

It was light work. Mid-range all day long. Simple, really. Just a few dribbles from about 18 feet out and then the net would sing. King was too strong to be moved off his sweet spots and too big for wing defenders to get a good contest. The points piled up and up, until not only did he lead the NBA in scoring during the ‘84-’85 season, he also led in field goals made per game. 

Back in the mid-80s, when the game was slower and there were fewer possessions, the odds of going off were far slimmer. King’s scoring rampages are made all the more impressive within the context of the day. On Christmas Day in 1984, he hit the Nets with a barrage that equaled 60 points. He also gave the Nets a 55-piece less than two months later. Earlier in 1984, he registered back-to-back 50-point games on consecutive days. King was doing crazy stuff, earning his place in the halls of Knicks lore. A King from the County of Kings. 

The heartbreak of injuries robbed him of more history-defining performances. But he proved himself enough. We all know it was King’s court.

Product details

• Ships in 7-10 business days
• Unisex hoodie
• Relaxed fit
• French terry fleece
• Discreet side pockets
• Imported
• Shop the New York Knicks collection