Richard “Dick” Barnett, a New York Knicks legend and a Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer, has passed away. He was 88.
According to The New York Times, Barnett died in his sleep in an assisted living facility in Largo, Fla. The cause of death has not yet been revealed.
Barnett’s passing was announced by the Knicks in a post shared on X on Sunday, April 27.
“We are terribly saddened to hear about the passing of Knicks legend Dr. Richard Barnett,” the statement read.
“Throughout his illustrious career, Dick Barnett embodied everything it meant to be a New York Knick, both on-and-off-the-court,” the statement continued. “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.”
“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. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and teammates in this difficult time.”
Born in Gary, Indiana, Barnett went on to star for the Tennessee A&I now known as now known as Tennessee State University, leading college basketball’s first dynasties and ushering in an unprecedented era of HBCU basketball talent. The Tigers won three straight NAIA championships beginning in 1957, and Barnett was named an All-American each season and was selected the MVP of the NAIA Tournament on two occasions.
In 1959, he was taken by the Syracuse Nationals with the No. 4 pick in the NBA draft and also played for the Los Angeles Lakers. He was best known for his tenure with the Knicks, which began in 1965. He would spend nine years with the Knicks, averaging 15.6 points and playing on their championship teams in 1970 and 1973 with a patented “fall back” jumpshot.
Currently, a one-time all-star, he ranks ninth on the Knicks’ career scoring list, and his No. 12 jersey was retired in 1990. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a player in 2024.
In 2019, the TSU Tigers were enshrined in the to Naismith Hall of Fame, represented on stage by Barnett, and in 2024, visited the White House to meet with former Vice President Kamala Harris.
Barnett went on to earn a master’s degree in public administration from New York University while playing for the Knicks, and a doctorate in education from Fordham University in 1991.
At St. At John’s University, he taught sports medicine and created a publishing brand, Fall Back Baby Productions, under which he wrote “poetry and think pieces.”
We at HOT97 offer our prayers and deepest condolences to the family and friends of Dick Barnett.
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