NBA Legend Dick Barnett Passes Away at 88

NEW YORK, USA (AP) — Dick Barnett, a former New York Knicks guard and Hall of Famer, died at the age of 88, the team announced on Sunday. Barnett, known for his unique jump shot and significant contributions to the Knicks, passed away over the weekend at an assisted living center in Florida.

The Knicks expressed their grief in a statement, saying, “We are terribly saddened to hear about the passing of Knicks legend Dr. Richard Barnett. Throughout his illustrious career, Dick Barnett embodied everything it meant to be a New York Knick, both on and off the court.”

Barnett was born on October 2, 1936, in Gary, Indiana. He attended Tennessee A&I College, now Tennessee State University, where he led the team to three consecutive NAIA national titles from 1957 to 1959. His success at the collegiate level caught the attention of NBA scouts, leading to his selection as the fifth overall pick in the 1959 NBA Draft by the Syracuse Nationals.

Barnett played for several teams throughout his career, including the Los Angeles Lakers, but is best remembered for his nine seasons with the Knicks. He helped the team secure NBA championships in 1970 and 1973. During his time in New York, Barnett averaged 15.6 points per game and became known for his signature “Fall back, baby” jump shot.

The Knicks honored Barnett’s contributions by retiring his jersey number 12 in 1990. He ranks ninth on the franchise’s all-time scoring list, with a total of 9,442 points.

In 2024, Barnett was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, recognizing both his collegiate and professional achievements.

As the basketball community mourns his loss, the Knicks stated that his legacy will always be a part of their history.