Walt Frazier Then and Now

Walt Frazier Then

Walt Frazier, born on March 29, 1945, in Atlanta, Georgia, displayed his athletic prowess early on at David Tobias Howard High School.

There, he was not only the quarterback of the football team and the catcher on the baseball team but also learned to play basketball on the school’s dirt playground. 

This playground was the only facility available at the all-black school in the segregated South, which highlighted the limited resources yet immense talent present in such environments. 

Despite receiving football scholarships, Frazier decided to accept a basketball scholarship from Southern Illinois University, where he would eventually make a significant mark.

At Southern Illinois University, Frazier’s basketball skills flourished. He was named a Division II All-American in both 1964 and 1965, underscoring his exceptional talent. 

In 1965, he led SIU to the NCAA Division II Tournament finals, where they faced a tough loss in overtime to Jerry Sloan and the Evansville Purple Aces, with a close score of 85-82. 

Despite the setback, Frazier’s determination remained strong. However, in 1966, he faced academic ineligibility, preventing him from playing basketball for a period.

The following year, the team moved up from Division II to Division I, and Frazier’s return to the court was nothing short of spectacular.

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In 1967, he led Southern Illinois University to victory in the National Invitation Tournament, securing a decisive 71-56 win over Marquette University. 

His outstanding performance throughout the tournament earned him the title of Most Valuable Player, solidifying his legacy in college basketball. 

In recognition of his significant contributions and achievements, Southern Illinois University ultimately retired his No. 52 jersey, ensuring that Walt Frazier’s legacy would be remembered and honored by future generations.

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Walt Frazier Career History

Walt Frazier’s professional basketball career began with his selection as the fifth overall pick by the New York Knicks in the 1967 NBA Draft. 

Frazier quickly established himself as a formidable player, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team. 

His impact on the court was immediate and profound. By his third season in 1969-70, he had made his first of seven All-Star appearances and played a pivotal role in leading the Knicks to their first NBA championship.

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This victory came after a hard-fought seven-game series against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Knicks’ success continued, and in the 1972-1973 season, Frazier helped them secure their second NBA title, again defeating the Lakers, this time in a five-game series. 

Frazier’s excellence was further recognized in 1975 when he was named the MVP of the NBA All-Star Game.

Despite his continued success with the Knicks, Frazier’s career took a turn after the 1976-1977 season when he was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Jim Cleamons.

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This trade was part of a youth movement within the Knicks organization. The Knicks agreed to pay part of Frazier’s salary, which was over $400,000, with three seasons left on his contract. 

Unfortunately, Frazier’s time with the Cavaliers was plagued by injuries, limiting him to just 66 games over three years. He ultimately retired midway through the 1979-1980 season.

Over his Hall of Fame career, Walt Frazier scored an impressive 15,581 points, dished out over 5,000 assists, and grabbed 4,830 rebounds.

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Known for his defensive prowess, he was selected to the league’s All-Defensive team seven times. 

In recognition of his contributions to the Knicks, the team retired his No. 10 jersey on December 15, 1979. 

His legacy was further cemented in 1987 when he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame alongside Pete Maravich and Rick Barry. 

In 1996, Frazier was honored as one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history as part of the NBA’s 50th Anniversary Team.

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His status as one of the all-time greats was reaffirmed in 2021 when he was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, celebrating the best players in the league’s history.

Walt Frazier Height

Standing at 1.93 meters (6 feet 4 inches), Walt Frazier’s height was a significant asset in his basketball career, providing him with the reach and agility necessary to excel as a guard. 

His height, combined with his exceptional skills, allowed him to dominate both offensively and defensively, contributing to his reputation as one of the greatest players in NBA history.

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Walt Frazier Retirement

After a few more fights, Frazier retired from professional boxing in 1976. However, the lure of the ring was strong, and in 1981, he made an attempt to stage a comeback. 

Unfortunately, this comeback was not successful, and Frazier decided to retire once again. After hanging up his gloves for good, Frazier channeled his passion for the sport into a new venture by opening a gym in Philadelphia.

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This gym became a place where he could impart his knowledge and experience to aspiring boxers, contributing to the sport in a different capacity.

Frazier’s contributions to boxing did not go unnoticed. In recognition of his outstanding career and impact on the sport, he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.

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This prestigious honor solidified his legacy as one of the sport’s greats. His induction celebrated not only his achievements in the ring but also his continued influence on boxing through his work with young fighters at his gym. 

Frazier’s legacy endures, as he is remembered for both his formidable presence in the ring and his dedication to nurturing the next generation of boxers.

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Walt Frazier Wife

Walt Frazier resides in Harlem with his longtime girlfriend, Patricia James, a testament to their enduring relationship. 

The couple shares a life marked by mutual support and companionship, splitting their time between their home in Harlem and a residence in St. Croix. 

This dual living arrangement reflects their appreciation for both the vibrant urban life of New York City and the tranquil, scenic beauty of the Caribbean.

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In addition to his life with Patricia, Frazier is also a proud father. His son, referred to as both Walt Jr. and Walt III, represents a continuation of the Frazier legacy. 

While details about his son are kept relatively private, it is clear that family remains an important aspect of Walt Frazier’s life. 

Balancing his personal life with his illustrious career, Frazier has managed to create a fulfilling and stable family environment, underscoring his values and commitment to those closest to him.

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Walt Frazier Now

Walt Frazier, currently 79 years old, is a revered former professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association (NBA). 

Renowned for his exceptional skills as a floor general and top perimeter defender, Frazier was instrumental in leading the New York Knicks to their only two championships in franchise history. 

His ability to orchestrate plays and his tenacious defense made him an invaluable asset to the team, earning him widespread acclaim and respect within the basketball community.

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Frazier’s leadership on the court was characterized by his strategic thinking, precise passing, and defensive prowess. 

These qualities not only helped the Knicks secure their championships but also cemented Frazier’s status as one of the greatest players in NBA history. 

His contributions to the game were formally recognized in 1987 when he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

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This prestigious honor highlighted his enduring impact on the sport and his legacy as a basketball legend. 

Even in retirement, Walt Frazier remains a celebrated figure, remembered for his significant role in the success of the New York Knicks and his lasting influence on the game of basketball.

Walt Frazier Net Worth

Walt Frazier, an American former professional basketball player, has amassed a net worth of $4.5 million. 

This financial success is a testament to his illustrious career in the NBA, where he not only led the New York Knicks to two championships but also earned widespread recognition for his skills and contributions to the sport. 

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His post-retirement ventures, including his work as a broadcaster and his investments, have also contributed to his net worth, reflecting his enduring influence and popularity in the world of basketball.

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