John Starks from undrafted to NBA legend on battling Michael Jordan, iconic dunk vs Chicago, Knicks playoff pain, 90s rivalries, Game 7 heartbreak, Jalen Brunson, SGA and why this Knicks team feels different

About this episode

John Starks discusses his journey from being undrafted to becoming an NBA legend, reflecting on his experiences with Michael Jordan and the intense rivalries of the 90s.

"If I could have played against Michael Jordan everyday, I would have because I am a competitor." John Starks With NBA playoffs heating up, the New York Knicks look to be a favorite in the East and the city of New York is buzzing with the same type of energy that rivaled that of the 90s teams. And who better to talk about this type of pressure than a man who lived and breathed it. Former NBA All-Star and legend John Starks joins The Pivot Podcast for a raw and inspiring conversation about perseverance, pressure, and proving doubters wrong. Starks opens up about his difficult upbringing and troubled youth, sharing the challenges that shaped the relentless mentality he carried throughout his basketball journey. From going undrafted to becoming one of the most electrifying players in the NBA, he reflects on the grit it took to earn his place in the league and etched in history books. The former New York Knicks fan favorite revisits the intensity of 1990s basketball, the culture surrounding the Knicks during their fierce rivalries, and the unforgettable moments that defined his career — including “The Dunk” over Chicago and the highs and heartbreaks of deep playoff battles. A fierce…

People in this episode

Guest: John Starks

Topics covered

• NBA
• New York Knicks
• Michael Jordan
• 90s basketball
• playoff rivalries
• perseverance

Keywords

• John Starks
• NBA legend
• Michael Jordan
• New York Knicks
• 90s rivalries
• playoff heartbreak
• perseverance
• basketball history

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: New York Knicks, NBA

More episodes of Pivot Podcast

• Mekai Curtis on Raising Kanan's final season, cliffhangers answered, 50 Cent's influence, becoming Kanan Stark, Disney Channel beginnings, his parents' sacrifices, Hollywood highs and lows, behind-the-scenes stories and balancing life beyond the character · June 12, 2026 · 52 min
• Trae Young speaks his truth, the trade that fueled him, why he left the Hawks, regrets from Atlanta's ECF run, Washington future, MSG's villain, criticism, chasing greatness, protecting family, Jalen Brunson & De'Aaron Fox. · June 9, 2026 · 1h 10m
• NFL shakeups, NBA Finals & reality of change: AJ Brown, Myles Garrett, Jared Verse and OBJ headline a wild week in football as Ryan, Fred and Channing talk friendship, aging out, growing apart, and what it takes to keep going when things get tough. · June 5, 2026 · 51 min
• Greg Oden's untold story: Ohio State legend, drafted No. 1 before Kevin Durant, called a NBA Bust, the what-ifs, battling injuries, addiction, depression, misconceptions, the Miami Heat Finals run & life after basketball. · June 2, 2026 · 1h 8m
• Jason Wilson, best-selling author & Martial Arts Master, speaks on men hiding behind a mask, healing trauma, redefining masculinity, discipline as a tool, Mental Health, Martial Arts, emotional freedom, family values and why vulnerability is real power · May 29, 2026 · 1h 8m
• Kenny Smith NBA Champion, Inside the NBA, analyst, UNC hooper, never-told stories with MJ, Dean Smith wisdom, Rockets championships, Shaq & Barkley, Wemby, playing in Jordan era, on silence being loudest voice & his 2026 NBA Finals prediction. · May 26, 2026 · 1h 12m