WALT FRAZIER: One Magic Season and a Basketball Life

A bland account of the New York Knicks' glorious 1969-70 season, leavened with Frazier's comments on players past and present, plus some cursory biographical information. Frazier presents himself as a split personality: a shy introvert who becomes, in ""dangerous"" places such as New York City, ""Clyde,"" a flashy-dressing high-roller who stays away from drugs and (mostly) alcohol but uses and discards women like Kleenex. Readers will think, from his game descriptions, that he was a defensive team player who let others make the points; since he was the Knicks' second-highest scorer that year and still holds several records, such modesty is misleading at best. He claims to hold no grudges, but criticizes Willis Reed for trading him without warning, and also takes potshots at other teammates. His view of basketball today is that of a stereotypical Old Veteran: modern players are flashy but depend too much on individual talent; they're not team players, not drilled enough in the fundamentals, not as good as the old-timers, etc. Frazier played for 12 years but barely mentions his career after 1970 or his post-retirement activities. Comprehensive collections may want this for Frazier's point of view, but Reed's View from the Rim covers the 1969-70 season better, has more illustrations, and also includes a basketball clinic.