Who Is John Starks? Age, Biography, and Wiki
John Starks, born on August 10, 1965, is a celebrated American former professional basketball player known for his remarkable career in the NBA. Starks gained prominence as a shooting guard for the New York Knicks, where he became a fan favorite due to his tenacity and scoring ability. As of 2025, Starks is 59 years old and continues to engage with fans while sharing insights from his basketball journey.
| Occupation | Basketball Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 10, 1965 |
| Age | 59 Years |
| Birth Place | Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
John Starks's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
John Starks stands tall at 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 m) and weighed approximately 190 lbs (86 kg) during his playing days. His athletic build contributed to his agility on the court. As of 2025, his body measurements remain a topic of interest among fans, with an emphasis on maintaining a healthy lifestyle post-retirement.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
While John Starks has largely kept his personal life private, he is known to be married. Starks has shared glimpses of his family life, often expressing gratitude for the support of his spouse and children. However, as of 2025, details about his partner, including names or any significant public appearances, remain largely undisclosed.
Starks' mother was one-quarter Muscogee, making him one-eighth Muscogee. On December 13, 1986, Starks married his wife Jackie. They have one son and two daughters.
Net Worth and Salary
In 2025, John Starks has an estimated net worth of $10 million. Throughout his basketball career, he earned substantial salaries, particularly during his time with the Knicks. After retiring, Starks has continued to generate income through endorsements, appearances, and various business ventures, contributing to his impressive financial portfolio.
Starks played for the Chicago Bulls for four games in the 1999–2000 season. When the Bulls were unable to trade him before the February trade deadline, both sides contacted the league and inquired whether Starks could be released without pay so he could join a contender.
The matter went to arbitrator who ruled that Starks could be released without pay, but would not be eligible for the playoffs with another team. With the ruling, Starks rescinded his request to be released but the Bulls released him anyway, citing their desire to focus on the younger core of the team.
Career, Business, and Investments
John Starks made his mark in professional basketball during the 1990s, achieving All-Star status and solidifying his reputation as one of the Knicks’ key players. Post-retirement, Starks has transitioned into several business endeavors, including coaching, sports commentary, and charitable work. His investments have largely focused on youth basketball programs and community initiatives aimed at promoting sports for underprivileged kids.
After high school, he enrolled at Rogers State College in 1984. While at Rogers State, Starks was on the "taxi squad" of the basketball team for backups to replace injured or suspended players; taxi squad players did not suit up and instead watched games from the stands.
However, Starks was expelled from Rogers State for stealing another student's stereo equipment in retaliation for the student breaking into Starks' dorm room and the college holding him and his roommates financially responsible for the damage.
Starks transferred to Northern Oklahoma College in spring 1985, made the basketball team there, and was sentenced to five days in jail for the robbery. He served the sentence during spring break. In the fall of 1985, Starks averaged 11 points per game with Northern Oklahoma but left the college after being caught smoking cannabis in his dorm.
Having worked at a Safeway supermarket, Starks enrolled at Tulsa Junior College in the summer of 1986 to pursue a business degree. While playing intramural basketball, he came to the attention of Ken Trickey, the former coach of Oral Roberts University who was then starting a basketball program for Oklahoma Junior College.
Starks played there for a season, then earned a scholarship at Oklahoma State University in 1988, where he finished his collegiate career.
Social Network
In today's digital age, John Starks maintains an active presence on social media platforms. You can follow him on Twitter and Instagram, where he shares insights about his life, basketball tips, and updates on his philanthropic work. His engagement with fans reflects his ongoing dedication to the sport and his community.
After his stint with Golden State, Starks played for the Chicago Bulls and Utah Jazz before failing to make an NBA team in 2002 and retiring with 10,829 career points. He currently works for the Knicks as an alumnus and fan development official, and as a pre-and-post-game analyst on MSG Network's home Knicks game coverage.
He has also served as the head coach of the Maulers, a Slamball team. He was head coach of the Westchester Wildfire during the 2003 United States Basketball League season. His autobiography, John Starks: My Life, was published in 2004.
Education
John Starks attended Oklahoma State University, where he played college basketball before pursuing a professional career. His educational background laid the foundation for his understanding of the game and has influenced his coaching philosophy. Starks often emphasizes the importance of education and mentorship for aspiring athletes.
John Levell Starks (born August 10, 1965) is an American former professional basketball player who was a shooting guard in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was undrafted in the 1988 NBA draft after attending four colleges in his native Oklahoma, including Oklahoma State University. Starks was named an NBA All-Star while playing for the New York Knicks in the 1990s.
