Walt Frazier Biography: Walter “Clyde” Frazier Jr. born March 29, 1945 is a former professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA). As the New York Knicks’ floor general and premier perimeter defender, Frazier was instrumental in leading the team to its only two NBA championships, in 1970 and 1973.
Walt Frazier Biography
Walt Frazier was born on March 29, 1945, in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. In addition to his legendary basketball career, he has also worked as an actor, with appearances in films such as Aaron Loves Angela (1975), Eddie (1996), and 3 A.M. (2001). He was previously married to Marsha Ann Clark. Frazier played in the NBA for the New York Knicks from 1967–68 to 1976–77 and for the Cleveland Cavaliers from 1977–78 to 1979–80. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the game, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987.
Walt Frazier Biography 2025 Details
| Born | March 29, 1945 Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Listed height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
| Listed weight | 200 lb (91 kg) |
| High school | David T. Howard (Atlanta, Georgia) |
| College | Southern Illinois (1963–1967) |
| NBA draft | 1967: 1st round, 5th overall pick |
| Drafted by | New York Knicks |
| Playing career | 1967–1979 |
| Position | Point guard |
| Number | 10, 11 |
| Category | Football Biographies |
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Walt Frazier Achievements
He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987. After retiring from playing, Frazier transitioned into broadcasting and currently serves as a color commentator for Knicks games on the MSG Network. Frazier has been widely recognized for his impact on the game. He was named one of the NBA’s 50 greatest players as part of the NBA 50th Anniversary Team in 1996, and again honored in 2021 as a member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. Additionally, he earned MVP honors in the first ABA-NBA All-Star Game held in May 1971.
About Walt Frazier
Walter “Clyde” Frazier Jr. is an American former professional basketball player of the National Basketball Association. As their floor general and top perimeter defender, he led the New York Knicks to the franchise’s only two championships, and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987.
Walt Frazier Wiki
- Born: 29 March 1945 (age 80 years), Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Spouse: Marsha Clark (m. 1965–1967)
- Partner: Patricia James
- Career end: 1980
- Children: Walt III Frazier, Angel Frazier
- Dates joined: 1977 (Cleveland Cavaliers), 1967 (New York Knicks)
- Hall of fame induction: 1987
Early Life
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 29, 1945, Walter Frazier Jr. was the oldest of nine children. He attended David Tobias Howard High School in Atlanta, where he showcased his athleticism as a quarterback on the football team and a catcher on the baseball team. Frazier learned to play basketball on a rough, dirt court—the only available facility at his segregated, all-Black school in the 1950s American South.
Walt Frazier at a Glance
- Category: Richest Athletes › NBA Players
- Net Worth: $8.8 million
- Birthdate: March 29, 1945 (80 years old)
- Birthplace: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Height: 6 ft 3 in (1.93 m)
- Profession: Basketball Player, Actor
- Nationality: American
Career Highlights and Cultural Impact
While his career stats—18.9 points, 6.1 assists, and 5.9 rebounds per game—are impressive, they only tell part of the story. Frazier’s influence extended beyond the court. He became a cultural icon in New York, known for his flamboyant fashion, fur coats, and signature rhyming phrases. Since 1987, he’s been a fan-favorite color commentator for Knicks games on the MSG Network. His #10 jersey was retired by the Knicks in 1979, and he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987. He was later named to the NBA’s 50th Anniversary Team in 1996 and the 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.
NBA Career
Drafted fifth overall by the New York Knicks in the 1967 NBA Draft, Frazier quickly made an impact, earning NBA All-Rookie First Team honors. He led the Knicks to their first NBA title in 1970, and again in 1973, both times defeating the Los Angeles Lakers. Frazier was also named MVP of the 1975 All-Star Game. Frazier was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a youth-focused move by the Knicks. He played just 66 games with Cleveland before retiring midway through the 1979–80 season. Over his NBA career, he scored 15,581 points, tallied more than 5,000 assists, and grabbed 4,830 rebounds.
Personal Life
Walt Frazier currently resides in Harlem with his longtime partner, Patricia James, and the couple also maintains a home in St. Croix, Virgin Islands. He has a son, referred to as either Walt Jr. or Walt III. Widely regarded as a fashion icon, Frazier was one of the first athletes to bridge the gap between sports and style. His partnership with Puma led to a signature line of sneakers, further solidifying his place in pop culture.
Real Estate
In 1979, Frazier purchased property on St. Croix, eventually developing ten rental homes on five acres of land. In 2010, he expanded his real estate portfolio by purchasing three penthouse apartments in Harlem for $2.4 million.
What Is Walt Frazier’s Net Worth 2025?
Walt “Clyde” Frazier’s net worth is estimated to be around $8.8 million. While his NBA playing career was a great success, his net worth has likely increased due to post-career earnings as a broadcaster and other business ventures, according to Forbes. Frazier is a sports broadcaster and has been a color commentator for Knicks games on the MSG Network according to Celebrity Talent International.
FAQs
What teams did Walt Frazier play for during his NBA career?
Walt Frazier played for the New York Knicks from 1967 to 1977 and the Cleveland Cavaliers from 1977 to 1980 before retiring midway through the 1979–80 season.
What was Walt Frazier’s most memorable NBA performance?
One of Frazier’s most iconic performances came in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals, where he recorded 36 points, 19 assists, and 7 rebounds, helping the Knicks secure their first championship.
Why is Walt Frazier nicknamed “Clyde”?
Frazier earned the nickname “Clyde” due to his smooth playing style and fashion sense, which reminded fans of the bank robber Clyde Barrow from Bonnie and Clyde.
What are Walt Frazier’s career statistics?
Over his NBA career, Frazier averaged 18.9 points, 6.1 assists, and 5.9 rebounds per game. He also accumulated 15,581 points, over 5,000 assists, and 4,830 rebounds.
What has Walt Frazier done since retiring from basketball?
After retiring, Frazier became a color commentator for New York Knicks games on the MSG Network, a role he has held since 1987. He is also known for his work in real estate and fashion.
What makes Walt Frazier a cultural icon?
Beyond basketball, Frazier is celebrated for his flamboyant style, signature rhyming commentary, and being one of the first athletes to be considered a fashion icon, with a popular Puma sneaker line named after him.