Dick Barnett, a Hall of Famer who won two NBA championships with the New York Knicks, died at age 88.
The Knicks announced Barnett’s passing on Sunday. Per the New York Post‘s Don Burke, Barnett died in his sleep at a senior living facility in Florida.
“We are terribly saddened to hear about the passing of Knicks legend Dr. Richard Barnett,” the Knicks wrote. “Throughout his illustrious career, Dick Barnett embodied everything it meant to be a New York Knick, both on and off the court. He left a positive impact on everyone he encountered, and this organization is incredibly fortunate to have him be such an integral part of its history.”
Barnett spent nine of his 14-year NBA career with the Knicks. The shooting guard averaged a career-high 23.1 points per game in 1956-66, his first season with the team after getting traded from the Los Angeles Lakers. He made his lone All-Star appearance in 1967-68.
The lefty played in all 82 games of the 1969-70 regular season before steering the Knicks to their first championship in franchise history. Barnett scored 28 points in the opening round’s Game 7 win over the Baltimore Bullets and 21 in an NBA Finals Game 7 victory over the Lakers remembered for an injured Willis Reed limping onto the court.
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Although no longer a key starter, Barnett earned a second title in his penultimate NBA season. He finished his career averaging 15.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game.
The Knicks retired Barnett’s No. 12 in 1990, making him one of eight players to receive the honor. Last year, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Barnett also taught sports management classes at St. John’s University after receiving his doctorate from Fordham University. He wrote numerous books and established a non-profit foundation in 2020.
“His jersey will forever hang in the rafters of Madison Square Garden, and his play throughout his career will forever be a part of Knicks fans’ memories,” the Knicks said. “Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and teammates in this difficult time.”