Clyde — the most stylish player in NBA history and the defensive architect of the championship Knicks.
Walter Frazier Jr. was born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1945 and attended Southern Illinois University. New York Knicks selected him fifth overall in the 1967 NBA Draft. His 13-season career produced averages of 18.9 points, 6.1 assists and 5.9 rebounds per game along with two NBA championships (1970, 1973). He was selected to seven All-Star games. He was named to the All-NBA Defensive First Team seven consecutive times — the longest such streak in the award's history at the time. His combination of elite defence and consistent scoring made him the complete two-guard of his era — capable of defending the opponent's best scorer while averaging nearly 19 points per game. His Game 7 performance in the 1970 Finals — 36 points and 19 assists — is considered one of the finest individual championship clinching games in NBA history. His nickname Clyde came from his fashion — he dressed in wide-brimmed hats and stylish fur coats inspired by the film Bonnie and Clyde. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987 and named to the NBA 50th Anniversary Team in 1996. He became famous post-retirement as the longtime colour commentator for Knicks television broadcasts, known for his rhyming catchphrases.
Smooth playing style, leadership of championship Knicks teams, exceptional defense
How They Played
Floor general with exceptional court vision, tenacious defender, clutch performer with smooth offensive skills
Lasting Impact
Hall of Fame point guard who led New York Knicks to two NBA championships and became synonymous with the franchise
NBA Champion 2x
Career Honours
- NBA Champion 2x
- All-Star 7x
- All-NBA Defensive First Team 7x
- NBA 50th Anniversary Team