Theatrics and flashiness was never in his deck of cards, but efficiency was synonymous to the name of Bernard King. He was one of the league's top scorers in the 1980's and at 6'7" was an offensive force to be reckoned with.
He was drafted 7th overall in 1977 by the Nets, and would average 24.2 points per game his rookie season, which garnered him an All-Rookie Team selection. King would prove to do much of the same in his sophomore season as he accumulated 21.6 ppg, but he had issues with substance abuse and the Nets would deal him to the Utah Jazz. He would only play 19 games, before he would seek support and treatment for the aforementioned.
The Utah Jazz would trade Bernard before the 1980-81 season to the Golden State Warriors, in which, he scored 21.9 points on 58.8% shooting and would increase his offensive prowess his second season with the Warriors tabulating 23.2 points on 56.6% shooting. It was his second season with them, that he made his first All-Star appearance and was selected to the All-NBA Second Team.
For someone, just two years prior, having only played 19 games in the league and to seek treatment for substance abuse, to come back into the league and have a remarkable comeback and seeing his first All-Star bid was a testament to his character and steadfastness.
The best basketball for King was yet to come as he dominated the league in the early 80's with his scoring which was noticeable with his quick release.