Coolest player in NBA history isn’t Michael Jordan or Dr. J, but former Knicks star who’s still a New York icon

Jun 8, 2026 - 14:45

Michael Jordan might be the GOAT, and LeBron might be the King — but neither of those legends have the crown as the coolest player in NBA history.

Nor has Julius Erving, Wilt Chamberlain, Larry Bird or Magic Johnson.

Frazier remains one of the most fashionable men associated with the NBA to this day

That crown, instead, goes to Walt ‘Clyde’ Frazier.

While he’s no doubt a legend in the Big Apple, having led the New York Knicks to their only two championships in 1970 and 1973, he is rarely mentioned in the same debates as the likes of MJ, LeBron, or Larry Legend.

In fact, he is better known among newer generations of basketball fans for being an eccentric announcer, rather than a commanding floor general.

But in his hayday, Frazier dominated on the court.

Walt Frazier dominated on and off the court for the Knicks

In a decade with the Knicks, the fifth overall pick of the 1967 draft was named an NBA All-Star on seven-straight occasions, making the team every year from 1970-1976.

He set an unprecedented defensive standard while in New York, and remains his former team’s all-time leader in assists with 4,791.

Frazier is also second in games (759), minutes (28,995) and total points (14,617) for the Knicks.

He was key to the franchise’s first title in 1970, posting a virtuoso performance with 36 points and 19 assists in the Game 7 finale of the NBA Finals vs the Los Angeles Lakers.

While the Knicks boasted the toughest crew in NBA history in the 90s, the triumphs of the 70s remain the franchise’s last.

Not only was Frazier a legend on the court, but he also soon became one of the coolest stars off it too.

Frazier was famous for driving his Rolls-Royce around New York City

The Knicks legend was named MVP of the 1975 All-Star game

Frazier remains a fashion icon, still famous for his suits at the age of 81

During his rookie season with the Knicks, he picked up the nickname ‘Clyde’ because he wore a fedora similar to that worn by Warren Beatty in his portrayal of Clyde Barrow in the Bonnie and Clyde movie.

And beyond the fedora, it wasn’t long before Frazier became one of sport’s first real fashion icons, who was known for his signature black turtlenecks, gold chains and capes.

Like a true icon ahead of his time, his other signature style move was to drive around New York City in his Rolls Royce.

As well as winning two rings with the Knicks, Frazer further cemented his legacy by changing the game when it came to sneaker deals.

Before 1973, when Frazier signed his deal with Puma, players didn’t get paid to wear shoes.

Companies would offer NBA stars their kicks for free, but there weren’t many styles to choose from.

Frazier changed the sneaker game, and signed a lifetime contract with Puma decades after retirement

Walt Frazier Jalen Brunson — Walt works for the Knicks as an announcer and often chops it up with current stars like Jalen Brunson

In fact, until Frazier came around, the Converse Chuck Taylor, launched in 1917, was the only basketball sneaker bearing a player’s name.

But Puma came to the Knicks star with a new idea — they wanted to pay him to wear the shoes, and they wanted him to design them too.

Thus, the Puma Clyde was born, and the sneaker game changed. He later signed the brand’s first-ever lifetime contract.

And fear not, he is still as fashionable as ever today, at the age of 80.

Frazier, now a Knicks broadcaster on the MSG Network, is still suited and booted every time he turns up to the arena.

There is even a website, Clyde So Fly, that catalogs and rates every suit he wears while broadcasting.

Walt Frazier — Frazier is still as ‘fly’ as ever, and is suited and booted as a broadcaster

Last year alone, he was seen seen rocking a red-patterned jacket, a purple and orange waistcoat, and a polka dots shirt, proving that even today, ‘Clyde’ is still the coolest man associated with The Association.

His much-loved, often viral rhyming broadcast commentary has also become part and parcel of Frazier’s image.

And while the latest generation of NBA fans might not be familiar with his on-court exploits of the 70s, there is no doubt his personality has turned them into fans of the man behind the basketball icon.

Plenty of people want to be seen with ‘Clyde’ courtside too — including fellow NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal — who hung out with him during last year’s Eastern Conference Finals.

Upon returning to Madison Square Garden for Game 5, he was seen sharing a handshake and a hug with Hollywood star Timothée Chalamet.

Frazier has been just as plugged into the Knicks this season as well, where the Knickerbockers remain two wins away from winning their first championship since Walt’s heyday.

The Knicks swept the Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers en route to this year’s Finals, and have taken a surprise 0-2 lead against San Antonio after beating the Spurs in back-to-back games in the Alamo City.

Now, the series is switching back to Madison Square Garden and the bright lights of New York City.

Game 3 and 4 will take place at MSG this week, where the Knicks could complete the sweep and lift the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy.

Frazier has been in attendance at the games so far and is once against expected to be courtside at MSG for Game 3.

Speaking after the Knicks’ Game 2 victory recently, Frazier believes “destiny” is on New York’s side and the team keeps winning even on a night when Jalen Brunson has an off game.

“I don’t think so,” Frazier said about the series potentially going back to San Antonio for a Game 5. “I think it’s our destiny now, the way things have unfolded for the Knicks. Every game — the grit, the resiliency, the resourcefulness. I don’t see it ending, because we’ve got 10 guys that are thriving. So, like tonight, Jalen was mediocre, and somebody steps up. And it’s been that way.”

Fraizer was also critical of Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, whose late-game turnover led to Jalen Brunson hitting a go-ahead free throw with nine seconds remaining.

“I saw [the last] jumper was off. I could look at his face. He wasn’t shooting with confidence. He’s fatigued. He doesn’t know how to pace himself. That turnover? He was exhausted. Come on, that was egregious. [And then the] foul? Come on, man, you just lost the ball. Why are you fouling? You see, when you get tired mentally, you’re losing … a little calamity. And it cost them the game.”