What Happened to John Levell Starks?
John Starks is a former American professional basketball player, best known for his electrifying eight-year tenure with the New York Knicks in the 1990s, where he became an NBA All-Star and Sixth Man of the Year. After retiring from playing in 2002, Starks transitioned into a front office role with the Knicks, serving as the Alumni Relations and Fan Development Advisor, and remains a prominent media personality and philanthropist through his foundation.
Quick Answer
John Starks, a beloved New York Knicks legend, is currently the Alumni Relations and Fan Development Advisor for the team, a role he has held since 2005. He also works as a pre-and-post-game analyst for MSG Network's Knicks coverage. In March 2026, Starks was featured in an AT&T commercial and provided commentary on the 2026 NCAA March Madness tournament and the New York Knicks' season, including his skepticism about Giannis Antetokounmpo joining the team. He continues his philanthropic efforts through the John Starks Foundation.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma
John Levell Starks was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Undrafted in NBA Draft
After attending four colleges, Starks went undrafted in the 1988 NBA Draft.
Signed with Golden State Warriors
Starks signed his first NBA contract as a free agent with the Golden State Warriors.
Played in CBA and WBL
After being cut by the Warriors, Starks played in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) and World Basketball League (WBL).
Signed with New York Knicks
Starks signed with the New York Knicks, beginning his most notable NBA tenure.
Executes 'The Dunk'
In Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Chicago Bulls, Starks performed his iconic left-handed dunk over Michael Jordan and Horace Grant.
Named NBA All-Star
Starks earned his only NBA All-Star selection during the 1993-94 season.
Established The John Starks Foundation
He founded his non-profit organization to provide grants to college-bound students.
Wins NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award
Starks was recognized as the league's best reserve player for the 1996-97 season.
Retires from NBA
Starks officially retired from professional basketball after playing for the Utah Jazz.
Joins Knicks Front Office
Starks began his role as the Alumni Relations and Fan Development Advisor for the New York Knicks.
Inducted into Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame
Starks was honored for his contributions to basketball in his home state.
Appears in AT&T Commercial and Discusses March Madness
Starks was featured in an AT&T commercial with other Knicks players and shared his 2026 March Madness predictions, picking St. John's.
Comments on Giannis Antetokounmpo to Knicks Speculation
Starks publicly expressed his skepticism about Giannis Antetokounmpo joining the New York Knicks, citing the player's loyalty.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
John Levell Starks' journey to the NBA was an unconventional one, marked by perseverance and a fiery intensity that would define his career. Undrafted in the 1988 NBA Draft after attending four colleges, Starks initially signed with the Golden State Warriors but saw limited playing time. He then played in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) and World Basketball League (WBL) before getting another shot at the NBA with the New York Knicks in 1990.
A pivotal moment in Starks' career came during a Knicks tryout when he attempted to dunk on then-star center Patrick Ewing, resulting in a twisted knee. Due to an NBA rule, the Knicks could not release him if he wasn't healed by a certain date, effectively securing his spot on the team. Starks quickly became a fan favorite in New York, known for his tenacious defense, clutch shooting, and memorable plays, most notably 'The Dunk' over Michael Jordan and Horace Grant in the 1993 Eastern Conference Finals.
His career with the Knicks (1990-1998) saw him earn an NBA All-Star selection in 1994 and the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 1997. He played a crucial role in the Knicks' 1994 Eastern Conference Championship team, though the team ultimately lost in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Starks holds the Knicks' all-time career record for three-point field goals made. After his tenure with the Knicks, he played for the Golden State Warriors, Chicago Bulls, and Utah Jazz before retiring in 2002.
Since his retirement, Starks has remained deeply involved with the New York Knicks organization. He was named the Alumni Relations and Fan Development Advisor in 2005, a role he continues to hold as of May 2026. In this capacity, he contributes to alumni relations, community outreach, and fan development programs. He also serves as a pre-and-post-game analyst for MSG Network's Knicks coverage.
Beyond basketball, Starks established the John Starks Foundation in 1994, which provides monetary grants to college-bound students in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Tulsa, Oklahoma. He annually hosts a celebrity golf tournament to benefit the foundation's 3-Point Scholarship. In March 2026, Starks was actively engaged in media, appearing in an AT&T commercial alongside current Knicks players and offering his insights on the 2026 NCAA March Madness tournament, including his surprise pick for the championship. He also commented on the current state of the Knicks and expressed skepticism regarding speculation about Giannis Antetokounmpo joining the team, emphasizing player loyalty.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if John Levell Starks made different choices?