NBA's Most Hated Player Episode 1: Rick Barry

[@jeahhh]

Barry was the only player to EVER lead the league in scoring in not one league but three...NCAA, ABA and NBA

[@robserrano8971]

His sons were good but not better than him.

[@homoerectus744]

Me, I can't pigeon hole his position.i dug the shit outta Mr. Rick Barry.

[@gandydancer9710]

@@robserrano8971 His sons were decent, but not only "not better", but not remotely in the same league as him, basketball-wise. The craziest thing was that one of his sons won the NBA slam dunk contest. Rick couldn't jump a lick, so the jumping genes must have come from the Pam Barry side of the family. (Her father was Rick's college coach, so it's not unlikely that that side of the family was athletic.)

[@Kr4v3rd]

@Gandy dancer I think Brent Barry could have been almost as awesome as Rick Barry. It's just Brent was ok just collecting a pay check by hitting a few 3s a game then calling it a day.

[@OsceolaNola7]

Doesn’t matter, he was a coward ass racist.

[@randysandberg5615]

I had the privilege of listening to nearly every one of the Warrior's games in 1967 on station KNBR with Bill King and Hank Greenwood announcing. To me ,a 14 year-old, Rick could do no wrong. I never heard anything negative about Barry until he retired. He's still an all-time great IMO.

[@sirhc3842]

Note how most of the on the record negative teammate comments are from when Barry was late in his career at Houston.

[@poocrayon4588]

Barry ruled. As a guy who who wasn't alive to see any of it watching some 70's games on youtube, those featuring Barry on a scoring run are always very entertaining.

[@patrickmichels7888]

When he jumped to the aba to play for his now ex-father in law that was when the bad press started. Like the man said he was curt flood before curt flood. And btw curt flood lost his case too.

[@donellis8746]

I lived in San Francisco in the mid 70s and loved listening to Bill King's call of Warrior games, particularly their 1975 NBA championship when they were heavy underdogs. Nobody could touch his talent in front of the microphone.

[@patrickmichels7888]

@@donellis8746 bill king as my dad said was the greatest basketball announcer ever. He would swear and get emotional. He called it the way he saw it. When he stopped calling warrior games and just did the As games it wasn’t the same. Fantastic announcer who could speak quickly keeping the rhythm

[@jamesvalentino4356]

Had one of the purest jump shot ever. Far better than hardly any NBA player today. Elbow in, follow through, clean release. Deadly.

[@zaydagoat6952]

Stop all u had to say was he had a beautiful jumpshot

[@damrgee8279]

Agreed

[@damrgee8279]

@@zaydagoat6952 shhhhhhh ur embarrassing yourself

[@michaelm6948]

As a teen Celtics fan watching Barry in the 70s, our hatred of Barry was visceral. It wasn't a rivalry thing, we couldn't stand the look and aura of the guy out on the court. We'd only catch the Warriors on CBS national broadcasts, but that was enough. Also couldn't stand him later as a broadcaster. But looking back on his career from a mature standpoint, he is one of the all time greats and he was an excellent broadcaster.

[@davep2626]

Born in Oakland, raised in Oakland and Alameda, and Barry was a beast. Great shooter, some of the best vision of anyone to walk on a court, and yeah, a pain. But still my favorite player ever.

[@loydkline]

Would've been a better nba basketball wasn;t for knee surgery

[@DGill48]

Met Rick once after he retired; he was here in Tahoe for a fundraiser for challenged kids. He was a nice guy.

[@thisguy8106]

Anyone can be a nice guy if someone only spends less than an hour around someone. Being around someone day in and day out let's you know who they actually are.

[@gandydancer9710]

@@thisguy8106 Or he might let you know who you really are, basketball-wise, and you might not like to hear that.

[@omarfromthewire603]

​@@thisguy8106 what services have YOU done for challenged kids ??? You with them EVERYDAY ? 24/7 ? YOU must be a SAINT !!! 🤡

[@johnbrattan9341]

@@thisguy8106 Dumbest comment in history.

[@jonathansykes4986]

@@thisguy8106 or maybe people are complex beings and you can be all of things at once.

[@Simonewhitesim-1music]

Wow, i never knew folks felt this way about him. I met him as a little boy. His Cousin was my Teacher and he came to the school and played basketball with us kids. Thanks for the Video.

[@scottodonnell7121]

Some friends of mine met him in Boston in the late 70's. In town for a game at the garden. They told me he was friendly, down-to-earth, and easy to talk with. In fact, they chatted for about 15 minutes, and he ended up giving them tickets for that night's game.

[@omarfromthewire603]

Don't form your opinion on someone, off of 1 person's BIASED video....

[@doncheechako8084]

70’s - Rick Barry was booed every time he touched the ball, booed at ultra high decibel levels. No player in the decades since, comes close. That was at the coliseum in Seattle. Little known factoid. Al Attles F up what should have been a power team into the 80's. They had Robert Parrish. They had Gus Williams. They traded them. Both became key members of championship teams. Golden State went to the dumpster until Steve arrived.

[@20fadhilRevolution]

Players mellowed out is a thing. Kobe was awful to anyone he perceived as lazy, and yet he went from getting nearly divorced several times to decent father after retired.

[@Johnny-xj5qu]

Rick Barry was mean, he was fearless, he was highly skilled. He definitely was a hero-ball, ball dominant player which was more acceptable back then...One of the few 60's stars that I believe would adapt beautifully to todays game, But man did he rub everybody the wrong way

[@ebogar42]

low percentage shooter.

[@vernpascal1531]

I loved Rick Barry on the court. He

[@jasontroy3911]

Not many guys exude jerk like Rick...that's a rare breed

[@izzy031096]

@@ebogar42 In a league where hand checking and fouls were the norm, nobody shot as well as the protected players in todays game.

[@ebogar42]

@@izzy031096 There were many that shot as well or better. Their stats prove it. They might not have shot as many 3s, but there were people shooting a high percentage and still a lot of 3s. I believe Steve Kerr has the highest 3 percentage ever. He definitely shot a lot but never got the minutes someone like him would get today.

[@josephmoale7283]

The mind of a basketball great. Rick Barry. I don't mark on feelings, we look at results... he was Great.

[@ibott50]

Sat next to Rick on two airplane flights. Great guy. One of the very best for sure.

[@thewordkeeper]

We always did like Barry back in my neighborhood. Loved his skills and the underhanded free throws. Then again we never heard any of those things about him; no internet no foul. For Better or For Worse Rick Barry is one of the greatest players of all time and I still like the guy.

[@corbinmcnabb]

When they picked the top fifty all time, Berry was on the list. Suspect, even though there have been some years (and players since) Berry would still be top 50.

[@manny4552]

​@@corbinmcnabb of course he would

[@MM-yn9db]

Barry's free throw percentage is still underrated. All the guys ahead of him played in the breakway rim era, which gives you a lot of nice soft bounces if you hit the rim. Before that, you hit the rim and it bounced far away. Huge difference for all shooting, almost should be an asterisk for it.

[@anthonycarr5514]

I remember hearing about him when he played for the Oakland Oaks, then he left for a few years, came back to Dubs and won a championship. The guy was basketball genius. If you've ever heard him explain the game, you would realize that this guy knows his stuff and could someday be a great coach. He never did receive an offer from any NBA team to coach (i believe). The league believed that attituded of his would challenge owners and executives, and players would not respect him. His sons were different, they were well liked (but didn't average 35 pts a game in playoffs).

[@Amick44]

Rick, like Kareem, never bothered to grease the wheels with mgmt types. Each never received high level coaching offers they had desired.

[@MrLuigiFercotti]

That he went after the reserve clause was probably the main reason he never got a coaching gig. Never underestimate the ability of the wealthy to hold a grudge, he went against the boys club. It stills goes on today.

[@TheSstretch68]

It seems like if the NBA wants to erase RICK BARRY but his play and stats can’t be. Dude was a baller. Love him or hate him, he is one of the greatest small forwards EVER!!!!

[@Ezees23]

They "can't erase" Rick Barry from the NBA. He's on the NBA's logo, LOL.....

[@JohnWilliams-sq7cj]

​@@Ezees23 I though Jerry West was the NBA logo

[@jingqi9106]

Rick Barry had A LOT of fans in the SF Bay Area and hid '74-75 season was a masterpiece. and worthy of the MVP. The players were voting then and so the "Miami Greyhound" had nom chance od winning the MVP. I mean, Barry averaged 30 a game, over 6 assists, and led the NBA in steals at almost 3 a game. Barry was a great player and had a large fan base in the Bay Area and I think he had a lot of fans around the NBA because of his great all-around play.

[@Micnify]

Wilks (UCLA) was rookie of the year also, great team!! Thank you!! Mic'2024 😊!!

[@patrickmichels7888]

I remember the year they won it all. He was amazing. Also saw him score 50 on the Lakers in Oakland in 1974 or 5. That was when Connie Hawkins was with LA. Rick was an amazing player. He’s incredibly talented & intelligent but is very egotistical. That said he’s one of my favorite players of all time. He was Larry bird before Larry bird

[@jimmyboy131]

A big difference is that Larry's team mates liked him and he did a lot to build up the entire team, and involved them in the process of winning.

[@thomaswilson7538]

@@jimmyboy131 Different times. Larry was country and easily accepted. Barry, was superb at about everything and better educated than LB. Meaning, sometimes, jealously can trun into personal dislikes? Actually, that is rather common.

[@drobson8004]

Well said. Although I would give Larry the nod.

[@michaelmiller2397]

nice quote! the L.B b4 L.B. I like it.

[@TheGoldenDaze]

@@jimmyboy131 Rick's teammates similarly liked him. You believe lies if you think otherwise.

[@EBthere]

I don't think the average fan thinks of Rick Barry as the most hated player. I think he's just thought of as one of the best players.

[@martinzaehringer1697]

So he was hated by other players for getting paid more money in another league. Hell, that should have been a signal to all the players to join the ABA

[@bobbresnahan8397]

Good. I liked the way you explained Rick's career He was a great, great player and gave me a lot of pleasure. He seemed to be unselfish on the court, but that's just the way I saw it. I didn't understand the animus against him based on his play. He was a passer. a pretty creative one as I recall. I'd like to see him play now. I'd like to see me play now.

[@BoosterGoldEarth6]

U was making valid points until u said better than MJ. Like what did Jordan have to do with this convo

[@timdumoulin4795]

@howard bianchi Yes I remember the Russell incident. Rick said he didn't know that "watermelon smile" was a racial remark and apologized to Russell afterwards. I grew up in San Francisco in RB's early days. He was extremely competitive to the point of angering his sons over some golf game because he had a hard time excepting defeat at their hands. It seems many of the great ones (MJ, Kobe, Bird), were ultra-competitive. It fueled their greatness but didn't make a lot of friends.

[@johnbrattan9341]

@@timdumoulin4795 Grew up, played D2 ball in and around Bay Area during this time period. Was listening to every Warriors game on radio way before RB even entered the game...the Thurmond/Russell match-ups, even Mel Counts days in LA. Have heard on several occasions from 3rd person accounts the blacks in 74 got together and said, and of course I'm paraphrasing, but the gist was....Barry's a prick, but let's get behind this white boy. He can win us an NBA championship. And in 75 they did. Against the mighty Wes Unseld at 6'7 Bullet's center. I watched every game live, and when I saw Phil Johnson drive from left elbow down the middle and windmill dunk in traffic......realized these guys were in another league. For me that dunk was the greatest I'd ever seen and still etched in my memory. Phil may have been 6'4, but he was such a catalyst, as well as Barry with Mullin's off the bench. Jeff was so unappreciated as a 6th. Good thoughts and remembrances.

[@dougcumming5635]

@howard bianchi A good point. Russell should be credited for raising race issues when few talked about them, but you've got to pick your spots.

[@dougcumming5635]

@@timdumoulin4795 He called it a watermelon eatin grin, which is more egregious than what you quoted, but again, no excuse, but consider when it was said. Tim, you need some English lessons. He didn't "accept" defeat, but otherwise your grammar is good. Sorry, I'm the son of a Cal English major who told my sister and me "only chickens lay."

[@ltahoe7195]

Some of my best memories as a child were listening to Warrior games on the radio with Bill King as the play-by-play announcer. I started following the Warriors in about 1974 and I remember Rick Barry was always the best player on the Warriors untll he finally left for Houston after the 77-78 season. If I could only go back, those were the days.

[@andrewpereira9271]

Amen. For me, the greatest season of any team at any time. No one better than King in basketball broadcasting and no one better than Barry in basketball. There is some great footage on KZbin of Bill king doing a simulcast (calling both the radio and TV broadcasts of the same game at the same time, which they often did back then) King called the all the action a half second after it took place. From eye to mouth in a split second. . . . and always accurate.

[@randysandberg5615]

Bill Laimbeer, hands down, is the most hated of all time. Not even close.

[@gregoryphillips3969]

You are absolutely RIGHT!

[@blackphillip564]

Rick Berry's own teammates didn't like him.

[@davidanderson3652]

@@blackphillip564 Thats the kicker, Laimbeer was liked by his teammates, Barry was hated by his own team.

[@gregoryphillips3969]

@@blackphillip564 You know what's kind of interesting. No NBA team would hire Rick Barry or Bill Lambier to do anything, not even sweep floors. Lambier had to coach in the WNBA. Rick Barry was an announcer on CBS until he told Bill Russell in a photo where he was smiling that he had a watermelon eating grin on his face. Rick Barry might know as much about basketball as anyone who has yet lived but socially he's an idiot.

[@andresdelportillo9917]

Bill laimbeer wasn’t hated until jordan started crying bout him , Rick mahorn was way more dirty and was the baddesr of the bad boy pistons from 87-89

[@davereynolds7472]

Rick and Jerry West were our pro counselors up at Camp Woodbrook (Mass) back in the early 70's. Rick had long been one of the kids' favorite pro - i.e. many times Rick would hand out his own jersey's to the kids. He also worked with collegiate basketball counselors (four of us who played mostly at East Coast schools). Both Rick and Jerry just fantastic - one of my favorite basketball memories. Two of my all-time favorite people.

[@RaysDad]

Can't agree with you at 11:30 when you called the 1975 Warriors roster "disgusting." The Warriors had a great roster that year and they swept the finals in four games. Coach Al Attles stressed team ball and revolutionized the league by playing his reserves more than any coach before him ever had. That's why you don't see big numbers from the starters. But look at what a quality bench the Warriors had!

[@hammer44head]

Jamaal Wilkes, Clifford Ray, Rick Barry, 3 HOF and some solid players around them and you are damn right, they ran the Bullets starters into the ground each game, the Warriors starters were fresh for the end while the Bullets were draggin azz. I couldnt believe they beat the Bullets like that but they did and Bullets had a better starting unit but not by much.

[@Amick44]

@@hammer44head Barry and Wilkes are in the Hall.

[@hammer44head]

@@Amick44 - well 2 outta 3 aint bad for my memory!!

[@Amick44]

@@hammer44head true

[@sirhc3842]

That's right. Attles called his bench the reserves, not subs. The Warriors had a great team. Now in 2022, we're saying the same thing about these Warriors; they play team ball. They ran Celtics starters into the ground.

[@jamestiscareno4387]

I never knew all this. I can't say it really matters to me either because Rick Barry was my first very favorite professional basketball player when I was just a little kid about 8 years old. Regardless of the controversies surrounding his career he was a fantastic player. He still remains my very favorite from my childhood..

[@ktpinnacle]

A forward with nearly 5 assists per game over a decade is pretty giving, especially for a scorer.

[@Amick44]

It was closer to 6 apg once he returned to the ABA. I believe only Bird and Lebron are higher.

[@onlyfacts3178]

5 assists in that decade is impressive...if they were counted like they are now that would easilly be 9 or 10 assists per game.

[@onlyfacts3178]

@@Amick44 but Lebron plays in a ERA where everything is called an assist...so those are inflated.

[@Amick44]

@@onlyfacts3178 they are definitely more generous in giving them out. It has been a steady progression. Even Magic and Stockton and Kidd got easier numbers than Cousy and Oscar did.

[@onlyfacts3178]

@@Amick44 yes and the biggest difference is from 40s to 60s...40s and early 50s players didnt even average 3 assists per game...it was just the pass to the guy under the rim , outside from the paint wasnt even counted...

[@terryhill4732]

I remember Rick Barry playing and I've never heard this about him until now,, Barry's granny shot from the free throw line give him a 90% plus free throw percentage for his career

[@roberthill799]

“Granny shot”! 😀 When I was a kid in the Chi. area we called them “potty shots”. I have no idea what the derivation of that term was.

[@terryhill4732]

@@roberthill799 Probably the era and place we grew up in

[@timjohnson5528]

He was my favorite player. One of the greatest passers I've seen.

[@Amick44]

I think of his passing probably more than any part of his game. Even though it's the scoring/shooting most people mention first.

[@robotnik77]

I was a Lakers fan then, and we all hated Rick Barry, but man don't let him have the ball - he'd kill you. He made wicked cuts through the lane like a sharp knife through hot butter, and he could shoot from anywhere, and with an assortment of shots. He had laser-like focus all the time. His teammates hated him probably because he was too brutally honest and hurt their feelings; he expected too much of them. He'd zip past you on the wing so fast to the basket that you were too late to transition to the other end because you're still thinking, "What the hell just happened?" Zip........Zap....Zing....He had a lousy personality, for sure, but I'm not sure he knew how to be discreet; stupid things just came out because, if you notice, he speaks faster than he thinks and there's no time to be judicious in the way he expressed himself. Big ego? Lots of big egos in sports, and it's the best players who have them. I didn't like his insensitivity, but he was the most feared forward in pro basketball. He'd still be great today, I have no doubt. I'm convinced that it was his insane competitiveness that made him as brash as he was. He was different away from the court.

[@genekersten7165]

Great video. I remember that series against Phoenix and it’s true that Rick gave up on his team. Rick was also a big cry baby whenever he felt he had been fouled. On the other hand, Rick was a great player and very underrated through history, Definitely top 50 of all time. If he had played with the 3 pointer, there is no telling what he could have done.

[@sheelamonroe6740]

Biggest cry baby of all is Lebron James...he cries about EVERY call

[@corbinmcnabb]

I don't know... Berry was more a mid range shooter than long range. Maybe he would have shot more from further out, but he wasn't then shooting from deep.

[@schizoidman7916]

@@corbinmcnabb If there is no three-point line, you just don't shoot from that far out. I played in high school before the three-point line and if you took a shot from that far out, you would be in trouble. If the line were part of the game back then, I am sure that RB would have developed a three-point shot and been good at it. Is there anyone from that era that consistently shot from that distance?

[@corbinmcnabb]

@@schizoidman7916 Fair enough.

[@Amick44]

​@@schizoidman7916 he shot deeper than most guys in his era. He, Pistol Pete, Fred Brown.

[@controlleddemolition9112]

Almost everything good or bad you could say aboiut Barry, you could say about Kobe Bryant. Their games were different, but the production was almost identical, and Barry was a better passer. He had about as many APG while playing off the ball much more often than Bryant. Both had problems getting along with teammates. Bryant won more, but he had better teammates. I'd have to say that at least some of the players who didn't like Barry were jealous of the money he was making at the time -- that, plus the fact that he didn't stay anywhere too long, so he didn't cultivate relationships with teammates.

[@sheelamonroe6740]

Totally agree...I wonder what teammates say about Lebron?

[@corbinmcnabb]

@@sheelamonroe6740 If this is the beginning of a series, we may get to find out. Suspect in private he isn't well liked, but since he is still playing, they won't want to say anything on the record.

[@jlolson53]

Interesting. I was always a fan - and when I heard him speak, I was struck by his intelligence. His game involved a lot of good passes, which seems at odds with this picture of him as an egomaniacal and selfish player.

[@michaelmiller2397]

R.B was a truly great passer who tried to control the whole cout like Stockton but he could really shoot lights out. Teammates couldn't handle Barry's passing game like Maravich's problem...

[@americasteam2112]

So he said that racist about Bill Russell did he speak intelligently?

[@jlolson53]

@@americasteam2112 No. He wasn't watching his mouth that day. Does that mean Rick was a racist? Hard to argue since he had so many flattering things to say about black players, including Julius, Wilt, and Clifford Ray. He used to wax longingly on dunking from the free throw line like the good Doctor. What a bizarre irony that his son won the NBA slamdunk contest on EXACTLY that dunk!!??

[@kentvanvuren1601]

Growing up in Napa California I got to see Rick Barry play on tv many times his two years with the G. S. Warriors in the 1960's. By the championship year he had all the cartilage blown out in one knee. In his first two seasons no one could stop him. He was the fastest small forward I have ever seen on a fast break (yes, faster than James Worthy), could dribble the ball, led the league in ball steals for a forward, and regularly shot from beyond what is now the three point line. I saw many many of his games on tv through the years, and I think he was the best passing small forward of all time. He was anything but a ball hog. I have read his autobiography, and you really get the sense that he just never learned or wanted to learn social skills. His first wife couldn't take his personality. Even with his personality, with is incredible shooting and passing skills and movie star good looks he would be one of the top money earners in today's NBA. If you read (very hard to find) his autobiography you will understand why he left the Warriors. He knew that he and Nate Thurmond could win some championships together. Franklin Muli was the cheapest owner in the NBA. After the finals with Philadelphia, Barry was waiting to get a pay increase. Muli decided that Thurman was more important and gave him a big contract extension. When Barry asked Muli if he was going to be paid the same amount, Muli went on vacation and waited too long. As the most promising player in the NBA in 1967, Muli treated Barry like garbage. Barry, was undoubtedly the biggest cry baby on fouls, but many of the calls were indeed incorrect. I have never seen any player with faster hands. He should have been player of the year in college. He beat Bill Bradley in every category and had a tougher schedule. Bradley was the Princeton golden boy and got the award. I don't blame Barry for having a chip on his shoulder about this.

[@marxlover100]

Franklin Mieuli.

[@fredhall6525]

He was the first player to challenge the reserve clause. The reserve clause meant that a team could retain your rights after your contract was up. Curt Flood challenged it 2 years after Barry.

[@notreallyadog9646]

He literally says all of this in the video….

[@Mr.Dobalina113]

Oh wow, you watched the video too?

[@rovingwarrior3710]

@@notreallyadog9646 Exactly, as if we didn't just hear the guy say that.

[@crashburn3292]

In 2004 I won tickets to games 3 & 4 of the World Series from KNBR 680. (And hotel, airfare, expenses. It was insane) Part of the agreement was I had to do a quick interview with Barry on his radio show. While at the hotel in St. Louis, his producer called me and after a few minutes Barry got on the phone, congratulated me and while we waited for the commercial break to end, we talked sports. Mostly about the SF Giants and their pitching. Then, after the very brief live interview his producer got back on the phone with me and said, "Can you hold a couple minutes for Rick?" I said "ok" (of course) not knowing why he wanted me to wait. I listened to him end his show over the phone and then he got back on and said, "Ok. Where were we?" and he started up the conversation we were having about Giants before the interview. We talked for another 10-12 minutes. He actually asked his producer to see if I'd wait on the phone, just so we could finish the conversation we were having. I always thought that was cool of him. Maybe he's mellowed out with age. lol

[@Milordvega]

Regarding players who scored 35 or more points per game for an entire season, Elgin Baylor averaged 38.3 ppg in the 1961-62 season, but only played 48 games.

[@mikegillins4992]

That's true he doesn't get alot of credit for it cause he played less than fifty games but 38 is still 38

[@t-pointer4873]

Imagine being in the army full time and then pulling up on the weekends to casually drop 40 in an NBA game. That's basically what Elgin Baylor did that season.

[@corbinmcnabb]

Baylor was certainly better all round. I am old enough to remember a rating system someone came up with, using 5 categories with four points possible per cat. Oscar was consistently #1 and Elgin was consistently #2. One could argue with the system, of course, but Baylor was great.

[@MickyTubbs1985]

@@corbinmcnabb Concur 100% and THANK YOU!

[@lenpey]

Elg scored 61 points against the Celts in a game in the '62 finals. That's against the best defensive team of that era, on THEIR home court, with no 3-point goal on the rule book.

[@okd521]

Ty Cobb,"hey Rick hold my beer"!

[@sportshistorybuff319]

The 1983 SI article about Barry's alienation from the NBA recounted that living with three teammates on the Miami Hurricanes, he had to be first in everything, getting to the showers first, riding shotgun in the car, answering the phone, and would pout if he was beat.

[@markcerbone6252]

Pretty good video. I enjoyed watching Rick play with the Nets. When he shot--no matter what kind of shot it was--I always expected it to go in. He was the only player that I felt that way about. The videos used here helped demonstrate his versatile shooting which included great driving ability. Also an alert, quick passer. I recall him as an above-average defender due to his court sense and athleticism Videos break down when the same clips are repeated. There's got to be more footage out there to tap into. And the creaky-voice narration is a real detriment. Very unpleasant to listen to.

[@james-le2rs]

If you are from the Bay Area you love Rick Barry he was our favorite Hometown guy

[@joefranksmusic]

I think Rick Barry was one of the Greatest Players and scorers of all time. I think when he did broadcasting, he was great at that, as well. I know my folks who were around when he played did not like him. The phrase 'ego-maniac' was used. Anyways, I try to have a more nuanced view when it comes to Barry. He had and still has a wealth of Basketball knowledge.

[@lesterpowers7212]

Seen Rick Barry play for the Warrior's several times, appeared to be unselfish on the court, played well, and scored points, I went to the games to see Rick Barry play and if the Warriors did not have him, probably would not seen the Warriors play.

[@eseoghenetuoyo1357]

His entry in the bill Simmons book of basketball was one of the best part of that book.

[@91dodgespiritrt]

Rick Barry was my sports HERO. As a 10 year old his book "Confessions of a Basketball Gypsy", was my constant "companion". Thank you for the memories. Barry dropped more (30 foot) BOMBS than all WW2 fighter pilots put together. The creepy kneeling NBA can ignore you but you will never be forgotten. THANK YOU, RICK!

[@trapezemusic]

He was also my favorite throughout his entire career. I still re-read "Confessions" every few years. Had the pleasure of seeing him play live when he was with the NY Nets. I think the NBA brass never really forgave him for jumping to the ABA. The arrival of the new league cost the NBA owners a great deal of money. If you have not done so, I highly recommend reading "Loose Balls" by Terry Pluto. Silly title but great book about the ABA from start to finish. One more thing: Truth be told, he was clearly the regular season MVP in that championship season but the voting was done by the players and degenerated into a popularity contest. The situation was so absurd that he finished THIRD. He was a great, exciting, and clean player but his personality worked against him. I join you in saying "THANK YOU, RICK".

[@gandydancer9710]

Re-watch the video and look for long shots. Not there, that I recall. Barry was not a long-distance bomber. He extended his range after his rookie season (when he concentrated on driving, for about 25 ppg, iirc), but his shot wasn't a long-distance one (though he was great with it).

[@trapezemusic]

@@gandydancer9710 Not a bomber on a regular basis but, if memory serves, he hit seven three-pointers in an ABA game. So, he could hit threes when the game called for him to do so.

[@gandydancer9710]

@@trapezemusic If you take a lot you may occasionally hit a lot, but the idea that you can call that up when "the game calls for it" is ludicrous.

[@Amick44]

​@@gandydancer9710 not ludicrous at all. Bird didn't shoot that many early in his career. Except to pull away or late gamers.

[@keithduff4124]

I remember Rick Barry as a respected and honorable great basketball player. I don't remember anyone talking bad about him, until now on KZbin.

[@johndor8772]

Me neither fan of 1960s and ABA

[@josephharden5592]

LMAO watermelon grin is going to be added to my list of insults :-) LOL...😂😂😂 It's even funnier because he said it to Bill Russell. A major pioneer in activism 😂😂😂

[@thomaswilson7538]

Well, Joseph, if you took as a racist joke didn't you? That wouldn't be funny.

[@gandydancer9710]

@@thomaswilson7538 Actually, it was. I don't believe the "Irish" excuse for a moment, btw. Barry is a smart guy. But good-humored ethnic gibes are much healthier than the current fetish for taking offense and high dudgeon. Working in a Barry-appropriate joke about how white people can't jump (Barry couldn't jump worth a damn) would have been more appropriate than fury. And there's not the slightest evidence that I'm aware of that Barry has a racist bone in his body.

[@gideon7359]

The best passing forward in history before Bird came along.

[@andrewpereira9271]

Barry and Bird were often compared to each other for all the obvious reasons, skin color, size, game, etc. Most people, myself included, always thought Barry was a slightly better shooter, and Bird the better passer. However, I've heard Barry say a few times that he believed he was the better passer and Bird the better shooter. I've always found that interesting and don't know that I agree with Barry. I do know that he knows about 1000 times more about basketball than I do. Barry was a very, very heady player . . . as was Bird, of course.

[@antonioangelocento9855]

Rick Barry was the greatest forward in either league for ten straight years !!,,

[@clu4u]

Onlyist player to lead NCAA, ABA, and NBA in scoring.

[@t-pointer4873]

Extremely Underrated for sure!

[@drobson8004]

Agreed. ( well maybe the Doctor breaks it up). What's even more certain? He was the greatest asshole for 10 straight years.

[@theetruth8626]

Stop lying u had Elgin Baylor who was the best forward when Barry was in the NBA the 1st time then u had Doctor J in the ABA

[@thomaswilson7538]

@@drobson8004 Not buying it. When you draw jealously--we know he did--sometimes so often, the offended one [Barry] gives you some more doses of the original reason for the initial jealously, Just to rub it in a little deeper. And seems Barry created more dislike because of how he repeated his so-called, offenses? True, true. :) I kinda like it.

[@strictly_blu_faces6570]

Just watched all 4 we need more bro!!!!! You're the real MVP 🏆

[@MrShanester117]

The reason why everyone hated Rick Barry was because they were jealous of that sweet hair cut

[@bobwalker229]

Your photo of Billy Paultz is actually Rudy Tomjanovich.

[@bonafide1972]

This might be a mixed bag. You cannot fault Rick for wanting an ownership stake. You also cannot fault him for being angry with his teammates for not standing up for him. You COULD fault him for how he forced his way out of Virginia, the watermelon grin comment (and what he said about Asian eyes was just as bad). There were far worse human beings then Rick, remember that.

[@thomaswilson7538]

I definitely did not believe the melon joke had anyhting to do with Bill's race. No way! But when the enemy gathers something good for ammo, here they come.

[@roberthill799]

How can anyone with a brain possibly think that a white guy making a "watermelon grin" comment to and about a black guy is not racist?

[@chinaexpertdennis6371]

Barry was so intense and wanted to win so badly but he was an ass sometimes toward his teammates and even his opponents. Hreat great player and scorer though.

[@corbinmcnabb]

It is a business. Fairly certain if the others had a better offer they wanted it as well. Yeah, the Russell comment was horrendous and going after Virginia that way was going too far. But the business decisions were legitimate, as long as he did his best on the court. Which brings us to Phoenix. Not good.

[@gandydancer9710]

@@corbinmcnabb Not getting the reference. Current events?

[@tripgreat]

I commend you on mentioning that his teammates may have frozen him out that game. I direct you to another video or two where Rick's peers and teammates talk about how great a player he was. Why was he team captain so often, if he was so universally disliked? I would suggest a "most hated" listed says more about the critic than the person "hated". I wish you well in finding a better use of your time. BTW, Barry never had a T-Point. He scored all those points without a 3 point line in his college and NBA years. See YounGala and Johnny Arnett for peers telling you how scary good Rick was.

[@eddiesneeh4266]

I don't understand why Rick Barry and hated are mentioned together. The man was one of the greatest of all time, and all he does when he talks about his career is give his teammates credit. He stood up for Joe Lacob when everyone (fans) was against him (Monta Ellis trade). Rick is a good person and was a hell of a player.

[@ebogar42]

Not close to great. He was an average shooter. Look at the stats. Just another Kobe. Low percentage shooter people think is great because of athletic ability.

[@Youralwayswhining4367]

@@ebogar42 that's simply not true

[@ebogar42]

@@Youralwayswhining4367 Stats simply don't lie. He was a 44% career shooter. That's average in the NBA.

[@ebogar42]

@@Youralwayswhining4367 I'm always confused with how shooting 40% some games, which there had to be a hell of a lot of games is good to you. Yeah, maybe some games he was up at 50%, but not all like Jordan was and others. Jordan had a career 50% shooting. Thats what I call elite an not average. Kobe was the same. I would watch him throw up all kinds of missed shots to get his points. He was also overrated if we're talking shooting ability.

[@Maximillian200HP]

Very interesting idea for a series! Was intrigued when it popped up in my suggestions. A lot of stuff in here about Barry that I've never heard, but I'd heard enough from other NBA KZbinrs to piece together he was not a very well-liked man. They have hinted at his unlikability on Open Court a few times too. I remember the first fantasy NBA Draft they did on TNT, at the end after nobody Picked Rick Barry Ernie Johnson quipped: "I tell you one thing, all six of you are gonna get angry phone calls from Rick Barry!". His nasty behavior seems to be an inside joke among the NBA community, shame because from what interviews I've seen of him he's a very knowledgeable guy given that he's been involved in Basketball in some form or other for well over half a century. Cool video, I hope you're continuing this series.

[@gandydancer9710]

No one on Open Court is old enough to have been on a Rick Barry team, so what do they know? That was the program which Barkley turned into a clown show by picking Iverson #1 overall, right?. Barry didn't need 50 years of experience to be a basketball savant. I can testify that he was that by his third year, which he sat out except for doing color commentary for the Oaks. I remember his screaming in the playoffs about how the Pacers (I think) needed to foul the Oaks before they threw the ball inbounds so that a three point shot couldn't tie it. Nobody on the Pacers was on top of this and in the event they fouled an Oak on a three point shot that went in to lose the game. BARRY was on top of it, though at that point he'd never played a game with a 3-point shot in effect -- but he'd THOUGHT about it, and his brain worked, unlike the Pacer's brains. (And Barry didn't tolerate fools lightly, so he was scathing. LOL!)

[@Maximillian200HP]

@@gandydancer9710 I don't know anything definitively just how people talk ABOUT him and stories that go around. No nobody on TNT would have been old enough to play WITH him, but the NBA has a pretty tight-knit community and when someone has a reputation for being a difficult person to deal with word gets around. I totally believe he is one of the smartest players ever as far as basketball IQ and knowledge of the game and you're right when a person is like that it can make it difficult to get along with others, seen it in many places. Neither of us can really say for sure since I don't (and I'm guessing you don't) know Rick Barry in person or have ever met him. I've heard a couple interviews and he's definitely a very knowledgeable guy I'd heard stories his attitude and reputation likely prevented him from coaching in the NBA which is a damn shame, but I did hear he was coaching in the 3 v 3 League.

[@DrJohnnyJ]

On the subject of free throws, Bill Sharman may have been the best ever. When he played, there were a lot of one-shot free throws where the ball is now taken out of bounds. Also, there were no flagrant fouls. Teams "gave" fouls with punches so Sharman would go bleeding to the line.

[@t-pointer4873]

That's why its so difficult to compare eras. Completely different set of rules.

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

I don't buy Sharman being the best of all time - the line itself has never moved, nor has the hoop changed. But one OF the best, and the best of his era, no question - but the 1980s era was even worse about "punches thrown" and minimal penalties. Even though the 1980s had a "flagrant foul" rule, that rule didn't grow TEETH until after the 1990 Finals when ejection was added as part of the penalty.

[@gandydancer9710]

"Teams "gave" fouls with punches so Sharman would go bleeding to the line." As an explanation for why Sharman's ft% is less than it might have been this is utter nonsense. There may have been no "flagrant foul" rules, but punching someone would absolutely get you teched, tossed, and fined. And, yes, I'm old enough to remember 1-shot fouls and playing the percentages by "taking" such fouls by GRABBING the dribbler after he crossed the midcourt (backcourt fouls were two shots) if you had extra fouls to give before the 2-minute mark. Also, I believe most of Sharman's career was before the Wilt Chamberlain-related rule change making off-ball fouls two shotters, so why would anyone "take" a foul on SHARMAN?

[@gandydancer9710]

@@bricefleckenstein9666 Again, there was no explicit flagrant foul rule, but punching someone would absolutely get you tossed in the 1960s. And the players weren't so well paid that tech fines were shrugged off.

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

@@gandydancer9710 Punching someone didn't always get you "teched tossed and fined" in the 1980s, much less the 1960s. As one of the more blatant examples of why that statement is WRONG, consider the Bird/Dr J "fight".

[@stevengallanter665]

I met Rick Barry in the parking lot of the old Island Garden in West Hempstead, Long Island. Mr. Barry gave me an autograph for my brother. On that very same afternoon I shot around with Billy Paultz while my Dad bought tickets for a game vs. the Colonels. "The Nets didn't play tonight. Rick Barry scored 30 points," said Jim Bouton, yes; that Jim Bouton, on Channel 7 Eyewitness News.

[@mcfadden60]

Congratulations on your research! EVERY one of those stories are true! I did know him a little bit as a teen. Even went to his basketball camp. Thing is he had no filter! Almost like he had Asperger's. His teammates absolutely did not like him and if it wasn't for Clifford Ray, he'd have taken a beating or two! But with all that, I never thought he was a bad guy. A lot of what his teammates resented were tied to their own egos. Mixed legacy for sure! The Russell comments! But as a lifelong Dubs fan, I'm glad he was here.

[@daveconleyportfolio5192]

It was a fair treatment, I thought. And if we're going to be honest, one factor in his unpopularity was his skin color. A lot of players resented the money guys like Barry and Maravich could command. But if I'm blond, handsome and a 35 PPG scorer, I probably deserve to show up on payday driving an armored car.

[@rickoliveira3807]

I totally agree. When I was in Jr High School, the Dubs would practice at the San Bruno Rec Center just a few blocks from my school. I would run from school when the bell rang and watch them practice. When I got into high school in 1965 as a 6'5" freshman, I wore wristbands, headbands, and the #24. Many years later while living near Sacramento, I was a Kings fan and really enjoyed rooting for his son Jon. I guess most of our heros have warts. :)

[@operasinger2126]

Thanks for comments. Barry didn't seem to have much of a sense of humor. A straight talker. Guess that would rub people the wrong way.

[@thomaswilson7538]

Yeah, the Russ comment is only bad if cannot joke with one of your compadres? They were side by side, so, it was just in a "bit" bad taste, thought Bill. But, BR is maybe, my #1 basketball idol and I do believe he couldn't handle the joke beacuse it was from Barry, who like me, sometimes you just blurt out words that many people do not think funny. Too bad so many cannot handle off the wall jokes. I can, though.

[@thomaswilson7538]

And I have been know to make those off-the-wallers when someone has disrespected me. Definitely. And of course, it seems, many times, that other person is more likable [like Barry] than me? ;)

[@morrisparrish76]

Holy cow Batman: I always thought that was wilt chamberlain

[@operasinger2126]

12 time all star. impressive.

[@apex_prowler95]

If Rick was Rick in the 80s into the early 90s he would've led the league in scoring, punches thrown by others and fight breakups. He was very demonstrative and whiny but one of the most unstoppable players in league history.

[@catcountry0099]

no he wouldnt

[@Editor_Hound]

Good points, but nobody will ever topple Bill Laimbeer as the most hated player in NBA history.

[@haroldmccoy6748]

Lambeer teammate Dennis Rodman and Rick Barry can challenge that infamous title ,Karl Malone also could supplant Lambeer .

[@williegordon9188]

Who did Laimbeer ever hurt? It's not like he was Kermit Washington who was a thug.

[@williegordon9188]

@@haroldmccoy6748 The Bill Laimbeer hate was created by the media.

[@williegordon9188]

Some fool with a watermelon grin on his face. Imagine a white guy in sports saying that in these annoying woke days?

[@williegordon9188]

Barry had a sweet jumper.

[@missayawk]

Compliments to you for this video. Well done and very informative.

[@walkercatenaccio]

I'll second many of the comments below. Barry was a great player, a creative passer and with great hands for steals as well. Most of the superstars were and are supremely arrogant and nasty. I needn't name them. Welcome to the real world.

[@michaelmiller2397]

great comment.

[@davidmclaughlin8022]

Barry said that he didn't know "watermelon" had racial overtones and Russell said he believed him.

[@angeloiodice9304]

I had no idea that he was not “liked.” Watched him as a kid with his underhand foul line shot, and admired his game. Probably just took the game too seriously. That can happen. You get tunnel-vision, like a religious-fanatic. You forget how to enjoy the game. Anyway, how bad could he be. Raised a solid family, and loved watching his 6-7 son “Bones” (Brent Barry) playing great basketball. Some people just don’t fit in.

[@marxlover100]

This is so true! I played a lot of rec ball games in my day and I remember having teammates who took the game so seriously that they became psychos on the court, wanting to fight opponents and arguing with the refs. They were the nicest people off the court, but once the ref threw the ball up for the opening jump ball, they would lose their minds! I think Rick was very much like that.

[@stilllearning9590]

I actually attended an Oakland Oaks game (Barry didn't play for some reason) but I recalled that two players were Doug Moe and Larry Brown, were went on to be NBA coaches.

[@hughp9949]

I will always be a Rick Barry fan, he was driven and today they would see that for what it was...killer instinct ala Kobe and MJ. Barry could play period, he could ball his ass off and everyone knew it, hey, its not cocky if you can back it up and Rick could damn sure back it up!!! Props to Rick Barry, one of the most underrated players of all-time should be talked about with the best.

[@trapezemusic]

Great comments.

[@bigcolt5256]

kinda funny talking about rick not being liked while showing a nonstop highlight film of him. holy cow, was he something.

[@corbinmcnabb]

Respected as a player, but often disliked as a person. The videos show, at least in part, why he was respected as a player.

[@thomasd.kearns1468]

I loved watching Barry play for the Nets.

[@poocrayon4588]

Such a pity theres not more available ABA games to watch for those who didn't at the time.

[@roberthill799]

Yes but ABA was rarely televised. I could be wrong but I think that in some years even the Finals were not on.

[@jimreadey4837]

Great, great video, T! I've heard Barry's name for decades, even saw him play on TV when I was a kid... but I never really knew anything about him. This fills in that gap beautifully. (Hey, fwiw, the past tense of the word "burst" isactually _burst,_ itself. [see 10:43])

[@finishstrongdoc]

In an interview after the Warriors won the NBA championship, Barry was asked about one of his teammates, I think it was their center, and I'll never forget him calling that guy some really demeaning name. Until then, I'd never heard about Barry's bad attitude, I just admired his basketball skills. I still remember how I felt when I heard him say that.

[@A-FrameWedge]

Wow, your story is backed up by solid facts, and quotes from specific players, so I believe you very little.

[@TomDelayBeats]

What name?

[@P.G.1966]

WaterMelon smile. Like it was yesterday. Rick the Dique. Back then...Now...To infinity and beyond.

[@theetruth8626]

Bruh he's very lucky he had Bill Russell there instead of another black superstar like Kareem Barry would got the piss slapped out of him

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

A Barry had an unusual release on his shot. Instead of the proper follow through with the wrist of his shooting hand, he just kind of flicked the ball with no follow through at all. But he still scored a lot of points! So obviously it worked for him.

[@91dodgespiritrt]

HA, HA! Seek some professional help.

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

@@91dodgespiritrt What ever.

[@ShunyamNiketana]

He was a wrist shooter. But he followed through, fanning his fingers on the release, pulling away his guide hand. But he doesn't extend his shooting arm. Jerry West had a similar follow through, but he snap his arm back as if to soften the shot.

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

@@ShunyamNiketana Yes Jerry was similar.

[@nat_pen_rose]

6:13 Ben Simmons mode? Nah when it's intentional in the playoffs we call that a Kobe '06

[@clayhoward1623]

GREAT PLAYER HE TELLS THE TRUTH.

[@Squirr3lBoy300]

Great series you got here! Looking forward to watching more episodes 👍👍👍

[@ramongonzalez2112]

The original Larry Bird, but quicker. Amazing passer too.👏

[@TheDrunkLawyer]

I’ll never forget the time that Stugotz argued with him live on the radio and won

[@robertgreenfield4009]

If you watch Barry, he is dependent on his right hand but he is very athletic and his passes were incredibly accurate and crisp. He was always a ball hawk and worked incredibly hard for his 30pts a night. As a white guy in even at that time a black league, remember, the white prince and the black knights even a Sports Illustrated cover, he could not only hold his own but he was all about winning. As for the personality, this is rubbish, everyone is so thin skinned. Barry was not Bill Lambeer or any of the Pistons types or Knicks. He would have needed to improve a couple of aspects of his game but in the run and gun ridiculous situation we have today, he would have been unstoppable. And 3pt shot? Not a problem for Barry and as far as his form is concerned, he had a very smooth and accurate release. Compared to those around him he was nothing short of money every time.

[@Amick44]

He could use his left hand and go left on drives. If you watch more film of him, you can find it.

[@tellthetruthg]

Raised in Oakland, W's , Oaks Niners ,Giants fan . Rick Barry was I'm sure everyone outside of W's fans disliked. him outside Oakland .He's loved in .East Oakland where the arena is,West Oakland , North Oakland the whole Bay Area loved his game . Every .ethnic culture W's fan Loves Rick Barry.. He was super competitive thats not a crime ? Name one Ultra Winner competitive person that hasnt made people dislike them?

[@teddy1234599]

Impressive job analyzing Barry's career.

[@t-pointer4873]

I appreciate that!

[@saulchapnick1566]

Watched him play in the old Island Garden (it was a large barn) when he was with the ABA Nets. As a kid, really enjoyed his playing style. We all threw underhand free throws.

[@michaelmiller2397]

Rick really helped put the ABA on the map along w Dr.J. which brought the 3 pt. line to the NBA when they merged. So Rick had a big effect on basketball itself...to the extent you could say he changed the sport itself

[@saulchapnick1566]

@@michaelmiller2397 thank you. He never played with Dr. J. By the time Dr. J came on board, the Nets played in a new, modern arena. It would’ve been an interesting combo if they played together.

[@LadyDuchess]

@@michaelmiller2397 Rick Berry was a great shooter but how exactly did he change the sport? 🤔

[@michaelmiller2397]

@@LadyDuchess the whole contract issue...he was Curt Flood before Curt Flood...although he lost the court case...which meant he had to sit out a yeat. but after Barry split from the NBA it was never the same.

[@LadyDuchess]

@@michaelmiller2397 Oh, ok. You made it sound like his _playing_ changed the sport so that’s why I asked. Rick helped give the ABA some cred but he didn’t play in the inaugural season. The first superstar of the ABA was really Connie Hawkins. What the ABA eventually became known for: The fast paced, run & gun, dunking, playground style was started in that very first season by cats like Hawkins. #Props

[@brianarbenz1329]

Rick said the comment on the Bill Russell pic was misunderstood. He said “watermelon grin” was an old Irish expression having nothing to do with the common anti-black stereotype. Still, he had to be a thoughtless clod not to realize how the statement would come across on live TV. As for the other things, I agree that he was condescending to teammates and had to have things his way on the court. As for his Southern accent opinion, I saw Rick Barry play while at Kentucky Colonel games. If the fans there had only known!

[@robertlevine4407]

A credit to his race, LoL

[@gandydancer9710]

@@robertlevine4407 You're confusing Rick Barry with Joe Biden. Which is inexcusable.

[@fightsports66]

Oh right. I am sure that Ireland was filled with watermelons.

[@banditY2K]

I saw him play many times. Dude was a badass scorer!

[@sportsactuary8574]

I saw Rick Barry play on television. In my judgement Rick Barry is the best NBA player to come out of White America.

[@MaidensWorldOfWax]

LMAO Larry Bird: Hold my beer

[@sportsactuary8574]

Y'all forgot Jerry West.

[@MaidensWorldOfWax]

@@sportsactuary8574 Fr I did. He was a great shooter.

[@gandydancer9710]

@@sportsactuary8574 JW was a forward only at the University of West Virginia.

[@petenrita]

he was incredible. he fits right there with jordan, kareem, and LeBron.

[@trapezemusic]

Amen.

[@johnwingate8799]

It was obvious to everybody that RB was the fastest guy on the court and the best shooter.I had a Rik berry basketball and wore it out.

[@michaelmiller2397]

when an athlete takes a year off it's hard to get back to top form.

[@gandydancer9710]

@@michaelmiller2397 Yeah, he only scored 34 ppg after sitting out for a year.

[@arthur-ri4zo]

Christian Laettner is the biggest reject that ever played college hoops.

[@DrJohnnyJ]

Barry had a condition. I don't know the clinical name but he acted before he thought. On the court, this gave him half a step. Off the court, or socially, it killed him. Once, he was on a talk show with the world's nicest guy: ABA team owner and singer Pat Boone. Boone, not a tall guy, set up an 8 foot basket so that he could dunk. As he went running towards the hoop, Barry reached out, blocked his shot and knocked team-owner and host on his butt. Pure reflex. The look of horror and shame on Barry's face said it all. His championship year, Clifford Ray got everyone to cut Barry slack. He was a lot like Ty Cobb: Cobb did some of the nicest things possible when he had time to think about it and some terrible things when he didn't.

[@91dodgespiritrt]

Save your ridiculous psycho analysis of Rick Barry for yourself and your family. We don't need the nonsense.

[@SuperAttitudeera]

@@91dodgespiritrt He can write whatever he wants, if you don't like it, keep scrolling.

[@RurbanWalker]

@@SuperAttitudeera be understanding as Michael has that same condition that Barry has.

[@kevinwilliams7252]

What?

[@Tyler.254]

Michael jordan was a guest in basketball

[@tntstorms7969]

I was a fan of Rick Barry back in the late 70's and saw him play in the Kingdome, Seattle. I saw him shoot those granny free throws and never missed, that I saw. He had a good mid range jumper and was not hesitant on driving to the hoop if the defense was not looking. This was before 3-pt shooting emerged so he was a top player when GS rolled into town and he racked up his points without all the dunking or long range hype.

[@jeffrey3498]

Barry was like the most intelligent and articulate kid in the class. Everyone hated the smartest kid in the class.

[@Wallyworld30]

I was born in '77 and I remember an old timer that played at the playground with us kids was 20 years older than us. He shot his free throw same as Rick Barry he was damn good too. This would have been around 1990 so he was a teenager when Rick Barry was in his prime.

[@northshores7319]

He was and still is the best scorer ever. He would average 50 ppg today where players stand almost on the sidelines. With all that extra space he would get himself open for every shot and make an awful lot of them. He was far better than Jerry West. I would take Wilt and Barry and three high school kids from Indiana and they would hold their own agin any team in the NBA today as long as the rules would be followed meaning no 'Steph Curry' double dribbles. no 'Westbrook carrying the ball while running ' and no ' Kevin Durant hesitation moves(totally double dribble)'. There would be turnovers galore from todays chumps. Wilt would stand at the foul line and grab all them missed three pointers and pass it to a fast breaking Barry meaning for every three made there would be at least six fast breaks on the misses. Barry was like the Bog O, a basketball perfectionist. Oscar had the nickname-Oscar The Grouch-for his demands that his mates play well at all times, something I think Barry did also.

[@robertlevine4407]

Love the big O

[@gandydancer9710]

Barry's wristy shot wasn't all that three-point friendly. And I hate the carrying and traveling, but Curry and Westbrook aren't the poster boys for that. (And I hate the 3-point shot and wish it would go away, but Curry would be a star in any time in which basketball was played.)

[@jimreadey4837]

Great, great video! I've heard Barry's name for decades, even saw him play on TV when I was a kid... but I never really knew anything about him. This fills in that gap beautifully. (Hey, fwiw, the past tense of the word "burst" is burst itself. [see 10:43])

[@acegibson9533]

My kinda player. Puts the points on the board. period. I could careless about his personality. This isn't a popularity contest, it's about winning and Rick Barry was a winner.

[@brianarbenz1329]

But Barry’s unpopularity caused the Warriors to lose their team cohesion in 1976, when they could have won a 2nd consecutive title.

[@gandydancer9710]

@@brianarbenz1329 That's a theory, not a fact.

[@kenperkins7921]

I remember watching my Atlanta Hawks play in the Cow Palace in the mid 70s. The Hawks were winning but all of a sudden, Rick firedtwewent five footers and thirty footers and the Hawks would come out after him and Rick would step back a little further. !thirty five footers plus footers. and blew my Hawks right out of the Cow palace! Maybe the most incredible five minutes of shooting, ever!

[@babyboomer9560]

Sat in the stands at University of San Francisco, where Warriors practiced in mid 1960s. He was a rookie and even in practice was nasty with just a bad attitude.

[@VILEPAINTS]

You uploaded this months ago, just understand even now watching this me commenting is proof ur vids are that engaging! I’m a casual basketball guy (baseball is my fav sport) but dang is this interesting!

[@rebelwithacause3574]

I love my Virginia accent 😀

[@waynejohanson1083]

This because he was not liked by some players does not mean they hated him, Sounds to me he had a personality that rubbed some people the wrong way.