Former New York Knicks guard John Starks recently reflected on the intense, physical nature of the 1990s NBA and his turbulent path to the league.
His comments come after a courtside incident during Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, where Starks nearly collided with Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley while celebrating.
ESPN's Brian Windhorst criticized the moment on First Take, saying, "Starks by the way is coming on the court last night.
... Get them off the court!"
Starks, now 60, described the Chicago Bulls as "a different animal" with Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Horace Grant.
"They were the standard during my time, so we had to push ourselves to get to that level," Starks told Basketball Network.
He added that facing legends like Jordan fueled his drive: "I always liked playing against the best.
If I could play against Michael Jordan every day, I would have loved it."
Starks believes his competitive mindset would translate to today's game, saying he would challenge stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
"I'm a competitor, and I like to compete against the best because that brings out the best in you," he explained.
From Grocery Bags to the NBA
Starks' journey to the NBA was fraught with setbacks, including expulsions from two junior colleges.
After hitting a game-winning shot at his second junior college, a dorm room celebration led to an arrest for marijuana possession and another expulsion.
He then worked bagging groceries at Safeway for $3.35 an hour, where an elderly coworker advised him: "Son, this is not what you wanna do for the rest of your life."
That advice motivated Starks to enroll at Tulsa Junior College in 1986, eventually earning a scholarship to Oklahoma State University.
He averaged 15.4 points per game but went undrafted in 1988, playing briefly for the Golden State Warriors and in minor leagues before trying out for the Knicks in 1990.
On the final day of training camp, Starks attempted a poster dunk over Patrick Ewing and suffered a knee injury, which legally prevented the Knicks from cutting him.
The injury allowed him to stay with the team through rehab, where his work ethic secured a permanent roster spot.
Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Knicks and Cavaliers is scheduled for Thursday at 8:00 pm ET at Madison Square Garden.
