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A Long Island-based artist who goes by “Poor Rupert” was commissioned to create a painting of legendary Knicks player and broadcaster Walt “Clyde” Frazier.
Poor Rupert, also known as just “Chris,” was chosen by the Knicks and MSG Networks in September to honor Frazier after he became the first player inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a player and broadcaster.
Frazier won two NBA titles with the Knicks in 1970 and 1973. He was a seven-time NBA All-Star who posted 15,581 points, 4830 rebounds and 5,040 assists over a 13 year career. He would go on to begin his broadcasting career in 1987, joining MSG Networks as a radio broadcaster. His TV career began with the same network in 1992.
Frazier quickly became one of the NBA’s best-known broadcasters for his over-the-top suits and witty catchphrases.
Chris, a Baldwin native, said he did his best to try and capture Frazier’s iconic style and personality.
“I created this piece to celebrate ‘Clyde’s’ second Hall of Fame honor and it’s an ode to his bold style and charisma,” said Chris, a big Knicks fan. “I am so honored that I’m able to be a small part of this unbelievable journey that ‘Clyde’ has made.”
The painting is a 4×5-foot acrylic with spray paint work on a birch wood panel. Here it is:
Chris is well-known as an artist in the area — his work can be found throughout New York City and Long Island. He specializes as a fine art painter, muralist and graffiti artist.
The Knicks, MSG Networks, Frazier and Chris have all teamed together to sell limited edition replicas of the Frazier painting to help raise money for charity.
The group is selling 110 replicas that are 24” by 36,” which are signed by both Frazier and Chris, through the websites Handbid.com and Charitybuzz.com. The money raised through selling these paintings will be split between the Garden of Dreams Foundation and the Walt Frazier Youth Foundation.
A press release on the paintings says 105 prints will be sold on Handbid.com at $1,000 each, and five selected numbers will be auctioned off on Charitybuzz.com.
The deadline to purchase the replicas is set for tonight at 11 p.m. Click these links to purchase: Handbid.com and Charitybuzz.com.
Top: Long Island artist “Chris” aka “Poor Rupert” showing his original painting to Walt “Clyde” Frazier and a crowd at Madison Square Garden. (Courtesy photo)
