Sports Editor Andrew Rosario And Dr. Dick Barnett
Photo: Lucy Edwards – NY Beacon
By Andrew Rosario
Before the Knicks took the floor Tuesday night for game 5 against the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden, the organization paid tribute to Dr. Dick Barnett who passed away over the weekend at age 88. Dr. Barnett was an integral part of the Knicks winning 2 NBA championships 1970 and 1973. Prior to that, Dr. Barnett made a name for himself in the collegiate ranks as he led the Tennessee State Tigers to 3 NAIA titles. Before coming to the New York Knicks, Barnett played briefly with the Syracuse Nationals and Los Angeles Lakers. After a 9-year career with the Knicks, the team retired his #12 jersey in 1990 that hangs in the rafters along with other Knicks legendary players that include center Willis Reed and guard Walt “Clyde” Frazier.
Dr. Barnett was the focus in the documentary the “Dream Whisperer” which focused on his efforts to get his alma mater Tigers inducted into the Hall of Fame. His dream came true in 2019. Dr. Barnett along with other living members, were hosted at the White House by then Vice President Kamala Harris. Dr. Barnett was inducted in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2024.
I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Barnett as he would attend as many games as he could at the World’s Most Famous Arena during the team’s regular seasons. Always engaging and insightful, Dr. Barnett reflected on his college and pro days. He never held back on giving his opinion on the team’s successes and failures.
When looking back on the 2 championship seasons that the New York Knicks won, people focus on Reed, Frazier and the rest of the roster. Frazier has said that Barnett was just as important in the team’s success. Said Frazier, “he was the veteran who showed me how to be a pro.”
The organization issued the following statement on Dr. Barnett. “Throughout his illustrious career, Dick Barnett embodied everything it meant to be a New York Knick both on and off the court. His play throughout his career will forever be a part of Knicks fans memories.”
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