February is Black History Month, an annual celebration of the achievements of Black Americans and a time to recognize and reflect on the accomplishments, struggles, successes, and contributions Black figures have had, not just in our country but throughout the world.
Today, the Edison Public Library recognizes professional basketball legend Walt ‘Clyde’ Frazier who, for more than a decade, was one of the NBA’s biggest stars.
Frazier was born in Atlanta, GA on March 29, 1945, and, in 1967, following his graduation from Southern Illinois University, was drafted by the Knicks as their first-round pick. He played 10 seasons in New York, becoming a household name as he set records for points scored, games played, and assists while also leading the Knicks to NBA Championship titles in 1970 and 1973. To date, Frazier still holds the franchise record for assists.
Despite his success and fandom, the Knicks, to the shock of both Frazier and his fans, traded their star point guard to the Cleveland Cavaliers in an 11th-hour move that took place on the eve of the 1977-78 season. Frazier only played 66 games over the course of the next three seasons and, in 1980, officially retired.
Over the span of his 13-year professional career, Frazier was a seven-time NBA All-Star and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He was also named one of the ‘50 Greatest Players in NBA History.’ His #10 jersey was officially retired by the Knicks in 1979.
Frazier’s signature fashion style and flair for wide-brimmed hats and flashy suits earned him the nickname ‘Clyde’—a tribute to Warren Beatty’s character in the 1967 film Bonnie and Clyde.
Off the court, Frazier worked as a basketball commentator, served as a spokesperson for Just for Men and Puma, and donated his time to numerous philanthropic organizations. For more than a decade, he was also a familiar face at his Hell’s Kitchen-based restaurant Clyde Frazier’s Wine and Dine. Frazier is also the subject—and author—of numerous books, many of which are accessible to Edison Public Library patrons.
