The Knicks family is mourning the loss of a true legend this week.
NBA Hall of Famer Dick Barnett, who spent 14 seasons with the Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Syracuse Nationals, passed away on Sunday at 88 years old.
Barnett was a key part of the Knicks’ championship runs in 1970 and 1973, and he also made history at Tennessee A&I, winning three straight NAIA national titles with the storied college powerhouse.
“Obviously condolences to his family and to all our fans, his teammates and what he means to our franchise. Just a very classy man,” Knicks head coach Thibodeau said.
Barnett’s jumper was one-of-a-kind — tucking his legs beneath him as he soared into the air and faded back in a way that earned him the nickname “Fall Back Baby”. Kids on playground courts everywhere tried to copy that iconic shot, including a young Thibodeau, who was just a teenager soaking in Barnett’s brilliance.
Barnett’s jumper was pure magic, the way he’d tuck his legs beneath him and float backward in mid-air, earning him the heartfelt nickname “Fall Back Baby.” Kids on playgrounds everywhere couldn’t resist trying to mimic that beautiful shot, and even a young Thibodeau, who was just a teenager soaking in Barnett’s brilliance with the Knicks.
“I remember watching games when he played – everyone tried to mimic his jump shot,” Thibodeau said. “That team, it had so much creativity to it; togetherness, sacrifice; just the way they played was special. And then when you get to know them, for me, meeting all of those guys from those teams is pretty special. Their character, their intelligence and the way they cared about each other is really special.”
The Knicks paid a touching tribute to Barnett before Tuesday’s Game 5 against the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden. During the game, Knicks players honored him by wearing black and white No. 12 patches on their jerseys.
“Throughout his illustrious career, Dick Barnett embodied everything it meant to be a New York Knick, both on and off the court,” the Knicks said in a statement. “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.”
Originally Published:
