The two-time NBA champion with Knicks dies at 88

The Basketball Hall of Famer Dick Barnett, who played in the two New York Knicks' NBA Championship Seasons Wache, died, the team said on Sunday. He was 88.

According to several media reports, Barnett died overnight in a facility for assisted living in Largo, Florida.

In 2024 he was recorded as a player in the Naishith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and three times all-America for Tennessee A&I (Now Tennessee State), the three consecutive NAIA championships (1957-59)-The first HBCU program to win a national title in basketball.

“During his famous career, Dick Barnett embodied everything it was for a New York kink, both on and outside of the square,” said the Knicks in an explanation. “He has left a positive influence on everyone he has met, and this organization has incredibly happy that it is such an essential part of its history. His jersey will be hanging forever in the rafters of the Madison Square Garden, and his game throughout his career will be part of the memories of Knicks fans.”

The Knicks won the NBA crowns with large contributions from Barnett, a 6-foot 4 all-round player in 1970 and 1973, who is known for his unique “Fall Back, Baby” Strießstil. His legs flew back when the left -hander springer shot.

It worked for the native of Gary, Indiana, who was selected by the Syracuse National with the fifth overall selection of the NBA design of 1959.

He played two seasons (1959-61) for Syracuse and one season for the Cleveland Pipers of the American Basketball League (1961-62). He returned to the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers (1962-65) and ended his 14-year career at the Knicks (1965-74).

An all-star in the 1967-68 season scored an average of 15.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 29.8 minutes in 971 NBA games. He also scored 15.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 27.3 minutes in 102 playoff games.

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