Rick Barry

Richard Francis Dennis Barry III (born March 28, 1944 in Elizabeth, New Jersey, USA) is a former professional basketball player. He was an All-pro forward for the NBA's Golden State Warriors and the New York Nets of the ABA, 1966-1979.

Pro career

Teamed with star center Nate Thurmond in San Francisco, the 6'7" Barry led the NBA in scoring and led the San Francisco Warriors to the NBA Finals in his second season. Angered at not receiving incentive monies he felt owed for these feats from San Francisco manager Al Bianchi, Barry sat out his next season and jumped to the ABA for a much larger contract.

Related Topics:
Nate Thurmond - San Francisco - San Francisco Warriors - Al Bianchi

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Barry starred in the less-talented league, often averaging well over 30 points per game, and he led the Oakland Oaks to the league championship in the 1968-1969 season. Seeking better competition and a return to his old team, Barry returned to the NBA in 1972. In 1975, he led the now-Golden State Warriors to the NBA championship. The following year, the Warriors were upset in the playoffs by the sub-.500 Phoenix Suns. In 1977, they lost to the eventual champion Portland, and its star Bill Walton, in the Western Conference playoffs.

Related Topics:
Oakland Oaks - 1972 - 1975 - Golden State Warriors - Phoenix Suns - 1977 - Portland - Bill Walton

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Rick Barry was traded to the Houston Rockets in return for John Lucas. Now in the twilight of his career, he averaged a modest 13.5 points. He did set a new NBA record, however, by posting a .947 free-throw percentage for the season. He retired in 1980.

Related Topics:
Houston Rockets - John Lucas

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