Dick Barnett

Two-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer known for his unique jump shot and clutch scoring.

Dick Barnett was an American professional basketball player who served as a shooting guard for the Syracuse Nationals, Los Angeles Lakers, and New York Knicks. Born in Gary, Indiana, on October 2, 1936, he won two NBA championships with the Knicks in 1970 and 1973. Before his NBA success, Barnett played college basketball for the Tennessee A&I State Tigers under coach John McLendon, leading them to three consecutive NAIA national titles. He was known for his unique "question mark" jump shot and taunt, "Too late; Fall back baby." Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2024, Barnett passed away on April 27, 2025.

Quick Facts

Career position: Shooting guard
Career number: 5, 12
Born: 2 October 1936
Birthplace: Gary, Indiana, U.S.
Died: 27 April 2025
Place of death: Largo, Florida, U.S.
High school: Theodore Roosevelt (Gary, Indiana)
College: Tennessee State (1955–1959)

Lore & Background

Barnett's path to the NBA began at Tennessee A&I State College, where he earned the nickname "Dick the Skull" as a freshman. He became famous for his trademark "question mark" jump shot, an unusual technique involving kicking his legs back while releasing the ball with his left hand. This style allowed him to taunt defenders by saying, "Too late; Fall back baby." As a three-time Associated Press Little College All-American, he helped the Tigers secure a 36-game winning streak and three consecutive NAIA national championships in 1957, 1958, and 1959. Barnett graduated as the school's all-time scorer with 3,209 points, averaging 23.6 points per game over 136 contests.

Reader's Guide

Barnett's impact on the New York Knicks is defined by two championship victories against the Los Angeles Lakers. In 1970, he helped the team secure their first NBA title, followed by a second championship in 1973. He was released on October 23, 1973, concluding a career that saw him score 15,358 regular-season points. His legacy with the Knicks is honored by the retirement of his No. 12 jersey in the rafters of Madison Square Garden in 1990. Beyond the court, Barnett earned an MBA from New York University and a PhD in education from Fordham University. He taught Sports Management at St. John's University from 2003 to 2007 and was the subject of the 2022 documentary film The Dream Whisperer.

Did You Know?

He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2024, and his college team (1957–59 Tigers) was inducted in 2019.
Barnett's unique shooting motion earned him the nickname "Fall Back Baby" from Lakers announcer Chick Hearn.
He scored 15,358 regular-season points in his NBA career and made one All-Star appearance in 1968.