Bernard King - Washington Bullets Legend

Bernard King - New Jersey Nets

Bernard King - New York Knicks

Bernard King - NBA scoring star

Bernard King was one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history and one of the league's most remarkable comeback stories. Known for his explosive first step, powerful drives, midrange shooting and ability to score from difficult positions, King became a four-time NBA All-Star and the NBA's leading scorer during the 1984-85 season.

Although King is best remembered for his outstanding years with the New York Knicks, his return to elite scoring with the Washington Bullets was one of the most impressive achievements of his career. After suffering a devastating knee injury in 1985, King fought through rehabilitation and eventually returned to All-Star form in Washington.

During the 1990-91 season, at age 34, King averaged 28.4 points per game and earned his fourth NBA All-Star selection. His performance demonstrated that he could remain one of the league's most dangerous offensive players even after losing some of the athleticism that had defined his earlier career.

King finished his NBA career with 19,655 points in 874 games, averaging 22.5 points per game. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.

Bernard King attended the University of Tennessee, where he became one of the most celebrated players in the school's basketball history. Alongside teammate Ernie Grunfeld, King formed the famous "Ernie and Bernie Show," a high-scoring combination that brought national attention to the Volunteers.

King was a dominant scorer and rebounder during his three college seasons. He earned All-America recognition and established himself as one of the nation's leading forwards.

After the 1976-77 season, King entered the NBA Draft. The New York Nets, who were moving to New Jersey, selected him with the seventh overall pick in 1977.

1977-1979: New Jersey Nets

King made an immediate impact as an NBA rookie during the 1977-78 season. He averaged 24.2 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game, establishing himself as one of the league's most talented young forwards.

He followed that performance by averaging 21.6 points and 8.2 rebounds in 1978-79. Despite his individual success, the Nets struggled as a team, and King was traded to the Utah Jazz before the 1979-80 season.

1979-1980: Utah Jazz

King's single season in Utah was a difficult period in his career. He appeared in 19 games and averaged 9.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists.

The Jazz traded King to the Golden State Warriors in 1980, giving him an opportunity to rebuild his NBA career.

1980-1982: Golden State Warriors

King rediscovered his scoring ability with Golden State. He averaged 21.9 points during the 1980-81 season and 23.2 points in 1981-82.

His strong play earned him an NBA All-Star selection in 1982. By that point, King had established himself again as one of the league's premier offensive forwards.

1982-1985: New York Knicks Superstar

King joined the New York Knicks in 1982 and produced the most celebrated seasons of his career. He averaged 21.9 points in 1982-83 and increased that figure to 26.3 points in 1983-84.

On January 31 and February 1, 1984, King scored 50 points in consecutive games against the San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks. His ability to score against different defensive schemes made him one of the most difficult players in the NBA to guard.

During the 1984-85 season, King led the NBA with 32.9 points per game. On Christmas Day 1984, he scored 60 points against the New Jersey Nets at Madison Square Garden, one of the most memorable performances in Knicks history.

1985-1987: Serious Knee Injury

King's outstanding 1984-85 season ended abruptly on March 23, 1985, when he suffered a devastating injury to his right knee during a game against the Kansas City Kings.

The injury included a torn anterior cruciate ligament and required extensive rehabilitation. King missed the entire 1985-86 season and returned for only six games near the end of 1986-87.

Despite averaging 22.7 points in those six games, King did not remain with the Knicks. His career appeared uncertain until the Washington Bullets offered him another opportunity.

1987-88: The Comeback Begins

The Washington Bullets signed King in October 1987. He played 69 games during his first season with the franchise, averaging 17.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists.

Although King was no longer the same explosive athlete who had dominated for the Knicks, he compensated with refined footwork, strong positioning, shooting touch and an exceptional understanding of how to create scoring opportunities.

The Bullets reached the 1988 NBA playoffs, giving King an opportunity to return to postseason basketball after his lengthy rehabilitation.

1988-89: Back Above 20 Points Per Game

King continued his improvement in 1988-89, averaging 20.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 81 games.

His scoring helped make Washington more competitive, and his continued progress demonstrated that his return was not simply a brief comeback.

1989-90: Becoming Washington's Leading Scorer

During the 1989-90 season, King played all 82 games and averaged 22.4 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.6 assists.

By this point, King had become the central offensive figure for the Bullets. He combined midrange shooting, strong post positioning and intelligent movement to remain productive against younger defenders.

1990-91: An All-Star at Age 34

King's finest Washington season came in 1990-91, when he averaged 28.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.6 assists in 64 games.

His scoring average ranked third in the NBA behind Michael Jordan and Karl Malone. King earned a starting position in the 1991 NBA All-Star Game and was named to the All-NBA Third Team.

His performance was especially remarkable because six years had passed since his serious knee injury. Few players in NBA history had returned from such a devastating injury to regain elite scoring status.

King scored 1,817 points during the 1990-91 season despite appearing in only 64 games. Washington finished 30-52, but King's individual achievements were among the most memorable stories of the season.

1991-1993: Injury and Departure

Additional knee problems forced King to miss the entire 1991-92 season. He attempted to return to Washington, but the Bullets released him in January 1993.

King subsequently joined the New Jersey Nets, returning to the franchise where his NBA career began. He appeared in 32 games during the 1992-93 season before retiring from professional basketball.

Regular-season scoring, rebounding and assist averages for every season of Bernard King's NBA career, including his injury-related absences in 1985-86 and 1991-92.

GP = games played; PPG = points per game; RPG = rebounds per game; APG = assists per game. Seasons without NBA appearances are listed separately.

Bernard King was one of the most difficult scorers to defend during the late 1970s and 1980s. His offensive game combined speed, strength, body control and exceptional touch around the basket.

His years with the New York Knicks established him as one of the NBA's premier scoring stars, but his Washington Bullets comeback demonstrated an equally important part of his basketball legacy: determination and adaptability.

After suffering a knee injury that threatened to end his career, King returned to average more than 20 points per game for three consecutive seasons in Washington, culminating in his 28.4-point average and All-Star selection in 1991.

King was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013. His career remains an important part of the histories of the New Jersey Nets, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks and Washington Bullets.

When did Bernard King play for the Washington Bullets?

King played for Washington from 1987 through 1991. He remained with the organization while injured before being released in January 1993.

What was Bernard King's best season with Washington?

His best Bullets season was 1990-91, when he averaged 28.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game.

How many points did Bernard King score in his NBA career?

King scored 19,655 points in 874 regular-season games.

What was Bernard King's career-high scoring game?

King scored 60 points for the New York Knicks against the New Jersey Nets on December 25, 1984.

How many NBA All-Star selections did Bernard King receive?

King was selected to four NBA All-Star teams, in 1982, 1984, 1985 and 1991.

When was Bernard King inducted into the Hall of Fame?

King entered the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.

Bernard King - NBA Legends Profile

Bernard King - Complete NBA Career Statistics

Bernard King - University of Tennessee Hall of Fame Announcement

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