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5h ago

Knicks Legend and Scholar Dick Barnett Dies at 88

Barnett, celebrated for his iconic 'Fall Back Baby' jumper and dual championships with the Knicks, passed away peacefully in Florida, leaving a legacy that bridged sports and education.

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Overview

  • Dick Barnett, a two-time NBA champion with the Knicks and Basketball Hall of Famer, died in his sleep at an assisted living facility in Largo, Florida, at the age of 88.
  • Barnett played a pivotal role in the Knicks' 1970 and 1973 NBA titles, contributing 21 points in the decisive Game 7 of the 1970 Finals and earning a place in basketball history.
  • Known for his unorthodox 'Fall Back Baby' jumper, Barnett was a trailblazer at Tennessee A&I, leading the first HBCU team to win an integrated national basketball championship with three consecutive NAIA titles from 1957 to 1959.
  • After suffering a career-threatening Achilles injury, Barnett pursued higher education, earning a doctorate from Fordham University and later teaching sports management at St. John’s University.
  • The Knicks honored Barnett’s legacy, highlighting his contributions both on and off the court, with his No. 12 jersey retired and his enduring impact celebrated by fans and teammates alike.