The Breakfast Club INTERVIEW: John Starks Talks NBA Career, Michael Jordan G.O.A.T. Talk, Knicks Then Vs. Now, Stephen A. Smith + More
Apr 28, 2026
John Starks, former Knicks shooting guard turned businessman and community figure. He recounts his rise from Tulsa to the NBA and memorable on-court moments. He compares Knicks then vs now, praises role players like Josh Hart, discusses the Jordan vs LeBron GOAT debate, and shares lessons from running car dealerships and other ventures.
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Rapid Rise From Street Ball To The NBA
- John Starks went from playing street basketball to the NBA in two years after refocusing his life and seizing a coach's opportunity.
- He credits an older brother and a CBA coach George Whitaker for pushing him back into school and pro readiness.
Treat Setbacks As Focused Practice
- Work with a comeback mindset: identify weaknesses, drill them, and treat lower leagues as a learning lab.
- Starks returned from the CBA focused on specific skills and earned another NBA camp invite after a 40-point showcase.
Win Playoffs By Treating Every Possession Like The Last
- In playoff basketball every possession matters; execute under pressure and avoid taking possessions off.
- Starks uses recent Knicks games to illustrate how defensive focus and late-game execution decide series outcomes.