Jim King!

Welcome to a SPECIAL EDITION of the Piece of Advice Newsletter!

Good morning! Happy NBA Opening Day! Today we are looking into some NBA history with a legendary player from way back in the day, Jim King! I was even lucky enough to ask him a couple questions!

Jim “Country” King was a gifted guard whose career spanned both the college and professional game during a transformative era for basketball. At the University of Tulsa, where he played from 1960 to 1963, King became a standout performer, twice earning First-Team All-Missouri Valley Conference honors and scoring over 1,100 points across his collegiate career. His skill and leadership set the stage for a decade in the NBA, where he suited up for the Los Angeles Lakers, San Francisco Warriors, Cincinnati Royals, and Chicago Bulls. His finest stretch came in the late 1960s, when he earned an NBA All-Star selection in 1968 and played a key role in the Warriors’ run to the 1967 NBA Finals alongside Rick Barry.

Basketball in King’s era looked quite different from today’s fast-paced, three-point-driven game. The absence of a three-point line meant that scoring revolved around mid-range jumpers, post play, and transition opportunities. Defense was more physical, with hand-checking and close man-to-man coverage as everyday elements of the sport. Guards like King were tasked with running the offense, distributing the ball, and defending with toughness, while still finding ways to contribute as scorers. His style reflected the complete skill set required of backcourt players in that era.

Though his career was slowed by injuries, King left a strong impression on the NBA with his intelligence, adaptability, and reliability on the court. He could be counted on to adjust to his team’s needs, whether that meant controlling tempo, locking down on defense, or hitting clutch shots. His consistency and versatility made him a valued teammate in a league that was still building its identity around legendary stars such as Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West.

King’s legacy remains especially strong at Tulsa, where he became a hometown hero. In recognition of his contributions, the university retired his No. 24 jersey in 2000, cementing his place in program history. He was also inducted into Tulsa’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1984 and later gave back to the game as a coach at his alma mater. Remembered as both a steady professional and a Tulsa icon, Jim King represents the generation of players who helped bridge basketball’s early years with the sport’s rise toward modern prominence.

Bonus Question:

Giancarlo: What is the biggest difference in basketball today, from when you played?

Jim: The game is faster than before and more shooters. But the DEF (Defensive Efficiency) isn’t as good as before!

Piece Of Advice:

Giancarlo: What is this best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Jim: Bill Sharman was my coach in San Francisco when I played for the Warriors and he taught me how to play the game fast so I could beat them down the court and get a great easy shot!

Thank you for reading! Have an amazing day and we will catch you again soon!

-Giancarlo