The basketball world mourns today as Knicks champion Dick Barnett dies at 88. A member of both New York Knicks championship teams, Barnett made history with his signature style and relentless spirit. His left-handed jumper, legs kicking backward midair, became his trademark.
Knick Champion, Dick ‘Fall Back, Baby’ Barnett Dies At 88
The Knicks announced his passing Sunday after their dramatic playoff win against the Detroit Pistons. Though no cause was provided, it is known Barnett had become frail in recent years. He died peacefully at an assisted living facility in Largo, Florida.
Barnett’s passing leaves a tremendous void in Knicks history. His jersey will forever hang in Madison Square Garden, a lasting tribute to his impact.
Roots in Greatness
Long before the Knicks headlines appeared, he was building a legendary career. Born in Gary, Indiana, Barnett first showcased his talents at Tennessee A&I, now Tennessee State University. He led the Tigers to three consecutive NAIA national championships from 1957 to 1959.
Barnett earned All-American honors each year and twice won MVP of the NAIA tournament. Under coach John McLendon, Barnett developed his unorthodox shooting form. McLendon once said Barnett’s shot was so unique that it was impossible to defend.
The Tigers’ success made history as the first HBCU to win a national basketball championship, cementing Barnett’s place in basketball lore.
Journey to NBA Stardom
Barnett entered the NBA in 1959, selected by the Syracuse Nationals. His path took him through the Cleveland Pipers and the Los Angeles Lakers, where Chick Hearn famously called out “Fall back, baby!” whenever Barnett launched a shot.
In 1965, the Lakers traded Barnett to the Knicks for Bob Boozer. This move changed the Knicks’ future. Teaming with Willis Reed, Barnett helped form the foundation of the franchise’s success. His first season with the Knicks saw him average a career-best 23.1 points per game.
By the late 1960s, Barnett had partnered with Walt Frazier in the backcourt. Together, they led the Knicks to NBA championships in 1970 and 1973. His memorable 21-point performance in Game 7 of the 1970 Finals remains part of Knicks folklore.
Life Beyond Basketball
It’s important to remember his life off the court as well. Barnett showed a commitment to education rarely seen among professional athletes of his era.
While still playing, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly and a master’s from NYU. Later, he obtained a doctorate in education from Fordham University. He taught sports management at St. John’s University and authored poetry reflecting on race and sports culture.
Barnett also championed recognition for the Tennessee A&I teams. His efforts led to their 2019 induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a group. Just last year, PBS released “The Dream Whisperer,” a documentary highlighting his work and legacy.
Style and Substance
Barnett was not just a player; he was a presence. Coach Red Holzman once recounted seeing Barnett stroll into Madison Square Garden for the first time wearing a Chesterfield coat, homburg hat, striped pants, spats, and an umbrella hooked on his arm. His off-court style mirrored his on-court flair: distinctive, confident, and unforgettable.
Even late into life, as the news spread that he had passed away, stories of his stylish persona and legendary game filled the memories of fans.
Dick Barnett Dies At 88: His Lasting Legacy
Barnett retired after the 1973-74 season, finishing with 15,358 career points and a lifetime average of 15.8 points per game. He briefly returned as an assistant coach before closing the book on an extraordinary career. His death marks the end of an era, but his legacy will forever echo across basketball’s grandest stages.
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