NBA Sends Heartfelt Message After Passing of Hall of Famer
The basketball world was in mourning on Sunday as the sport lost another icon.
This is after news emerged that New York Knicks legend Dick Barnett had passed away at the age of 88. According to a report by the New York Post, Barnett "died in his sleep this weekend in a senior living center in Largo, Fla."
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The Knicks also announced the tragic news via social media as the organization expressed how "terribly saddened" to hear about Barnett's passing.
They added: "His jersey will forever hang in the rafters of Madison Square Garden, and his play throughout his career will forever be part of Knicks fans' memories.
On Sunday night, The NBA issued an official statement on Barnett's passing.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Jerry West (44) dribbles past New York Knicks guard Dick Barnett (12) and Willis reed (19).Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY Sports
"The NBA mourns the passing of Dick Barnett (1936-2025)," the league posted on X.
"Dick played 14 NBA seasons with the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Syracuse Nationals, winning championships as a member of the Knicks in 1970 and 1973. We extend our deepest condolences to the Barnett family."
Barnett first started his NBA career with the Syracuse Nationals, who selected the former Tennessee State star as the No. 5 overall pick in the 1959 NBA Draft. After Syracuse, the 6-foot-4 shooting guards also had stints with the Los Angeles Lakers and the Knicks, which is where he spent the majority of his career.
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Barnett, a one-time All-Star, helped the Knicks win two championships during his nine-year tenure with the team. He was part of New York's title-winning squads in 1970 and 1973.
Barnett, a native of Gary, Indiana, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2024.
Related: Knicks Star Makes Honest Admission Amid Game 2 Backlash
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