Known in recent years as a NY Knicks broadcaster on the MSG network for his entertaining use of rhyme and his extensive vocabulary in his commentary, Walt led the Knicks to their only two NBA basketball championships in 1970 and 1973. Those teams still seem legendary today, with great players like Dick Barnett, Bill Bradley, Willis Reed and Dave DeBusschere, with "Earl the Pearl" Monroe and Jerry Lucas on the '73 team.
In 1970, the championship series went the full 7 games with Frazier scoring 36 points and netting 19 assists agains the L.A. Lakers led by Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West. Walt and members of that team were looking forward to their 50th anniversary celebration later this Spring.
Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Frazier was the oldest of seven children. He played football and baseball in high school and was an All-American basketball player for Southern Illinois University in 1964 and 1965. Frazier's NBA career lasted from 1967-1980. He was a seven-time all-star and was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame in in 1986.
Walt lives in Harlem with his longtime partner Patricia James. They split their time between NYC and St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands where they own a bed and breakfast. He has a son Walt Jr. and a daughter Angel.
In 2012 Frazier opened a large sports-themed restaurant, Clyde Frazier's Wine and Dine in partnership with Michael Weinstein of Ark Restaurants (Bryant Park Grill). Located at 485 10th Avenue (37th-s8th streets) in Hell's Kitchen, the restauramnt features over 40 television screens, a basketball court and exudes Frazier's flamboyant sense of style. He is also known for his eccentric taste in clothing and his suit collection which spans wild patterns and every color imaginable.
In 1996 he started the Walt Frazier Youth Foundation which helps inner-city youth. According to his bio page on the MSG website, he enjoys gardening, sailing, jogging and reading the Arts and Leisure section of the NY Times.
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