Knicks Legend Dick Barnett Passes Away at 88

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Dick Barnett, a legendary player for the New York Knicks and a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, passed away at the age of 88, the Knicks announced Sunday. Barnett died in his sleep at a senior living center in Largo, Florida, over the weekend.

Barnett’s basketball career began at Tennessee State, where he was a three-time All-America and led his team to three NAIA national championships. After being selected in the first round of the 1959 NBA Draft by the Syracuse Nationals, he played for several teams, including the Cleveland Pipers in the ABL, before joining the Knicks for eight seasons.

During his time with the Knicks, Barnett contributed to the team’s 1970 and 1973 NBA championship victories. His notable performance in Game 7 of the 1970 Finals helped solidify his legacy, scoring 21 points and playing crucial defense against Jerry West throughout the series.

“Dick was one of the leaders of that team,” said Phil Jackson, a teammate and legendary coach. “I really thought he held a big piece of our success in the late ’60s and early ’70s.”

Barnett’s No. 12 jersey was retired by the Knicks in 1990, and he is remembered for his unique playing style, specifically his left-handed “Fall Back Baby” jumper. In addition to his basketball achievements, he received a doctorate from Fordham University and taught sports management courses at St. John's University.

After retiring as a player, Barnett authored approximately 20 books and founded the Dr. Richard Barnett Center for Sports Education, Business and Technology, which aims to support sports management students.

<p“Dreams really do come true,” Barnett said in 2020, reflecting on his life and achievements. “Life is a continuum… There are other goals.”