Rest In Power: Notable Black Folks Who We’ve Lost In 2025 - Page 57

56. Dick Barnett

Dick Barnett, a basketball Hall of Famer and two-time NBA champion, passed away at the age of 88. Known for his distinctive playstyle and impact on the court, Barnett’s legacy has left an indelible mark on basketball history.

Barnett’s career was defined by excellence, starting with his college years at Tennessee A&I (now Tennessee State), where he led the Tigers to three consecutive NAIA Championships from 1957 to 1959. His remarkable performances earned him All-American honors and two NAIA Tournament MVP awards. He later worked tirelessly to secure recognition for his college team, culminating in their enshrinement in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019.

Selected fifth overall in the 1959 NBA Draft by the Syracuse Nationals, Barnett also played for the Los Angeles Lakers before joining the New York Knicks in 1965. During his nine years with the Knicks, Barnett averaged 15.6 points and played a pivotal role in their championship victories in 1970 and 1973. His contributions were immortalized when the team retired his No. 12 jersey in 1990.

Rest In Power: Notable Black Folks Who We’ve Lost In 2025 - Page 57 was originally published on blackamericaweb.com