Shaquille O’Neal Reveals Connection to Dick Barnett Forged by His Father as TNT Remembers Knicks Icon

One of the beloved members of the ’70s Knicks was Dr. Richard Barnett, who passed away recently. Not only the fans but also former players were shocked as there was no illness previously reported about the Hall of Famer. The tributes for the 2x NBA champion started on social media, and Inside the NBA was also not left behind. Kenny Smith, who watched the Knicks fondly, recalled the legend, and Shaquille O’Neal shared a story tied to his father.

In a heartfelt statement, the Knicks shared, “We are terribly saddened to hear about the passing of Knicks legend Dr. Richard Barnett. Throughout his illustrious career, Dick Barnett embodied everything it meant to be a New York Knick. Both on and off the court. 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.”

This was yesterday, after the news from The New York Times reported that Dick Barnett passed away over the weekend while residing at an assisted living facility in Florida. The inside crew also spoke about the loss of the NBA icon on the recent broadcast of their show. It was Shaquille O’Neal who followed it up. Even though Barnett was not the one he grew up watching, there was still an emotional connection, thanks to his father.

“When I met Mr. Barnett, I didn’t have a lot of knowledge of him, but he told me who he was, and I went and told my father.” The Lakers legend continued, “My father used to tell me stories about him. So when I met him, the only thing I could tell him was just thank you.” Although O’Neal did not describe when and where he met Barnett, but was thoughtful to share this story.

It was last year when the Knicks legend received his well-deserved Hall of Fame induction. Fans are grateful that the legend was with us when he got his moment. Speaking about fans, one of the Inside the NBA analysts grew up watching Barnett.

Not just Shaquille O’Neal, but Kenny Smith detailed his love for ‘Fall Back Baby’ Dick Barnett

Before enamoring fans of New York, the Indiana native had already established his name. He was the fourth player selected in the first round of the 1959 NBA draft by the Syracuse Nationals. Then he would go on to play for them for three seasons, two with the Cleveland Pipers (American Basketball League), three with the Los Angeles Lakers, and nine with the New York Knicks. In his NBA career, he amassed 15,358 career points and the 1970 and 1973 NBA championships.

USA Today via Reuters

Ernie Johnson described Barnett as Kenny Smith’s favorite player. There is a reason that The Jet is talking about the impact. “Yeah, Being a New York Knick fan, I was six seven years old watching Dick Barnett play with his legs popping up in the air with his left-hand jump shot. Yeah, he had the most unique jump shot ever, man.” To people who don’t know, Smith is talking about the ‘Fall Back Baby’ jumper. A high-arching shot with a backward lean and leg kick became iconic. He hung in the air just a hair longer than defenders could.

“Yeah, he was an unbelievable player back in those days. But that double-clutch shot going up in the air, man,” Smith said. It was last April when Barnett received news about his 2024 Hall of Fame induction. And a year later, the legend sadly leaves us, but made sure his impact stayed with us, as Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith recall.