Rick Barry

Rick Barry is considered one of the greatest pure small forwards of all time, known for his precise outside shot, uncanny court vision, and unorthodox but accurate underhanded free throw shooting. Barry is one of the few elite players who effectively altered their play style throughout their career; initially breaking into the professional ranks as a prominent rebounder and scorer, he later transitioned to becoming a skilled ball distributor and lethal perimeter threat. Throughout various seasons, he was also notable for being the only forward among the top ten in assists.

Barry is the only player to lead the NCAA, ABA, and NBA in scoring for an individual season. His exceptional career achievements were recognized in 1987 when he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Additionally, in 1996, he was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in history by the NBA.

Barry's ability to lead underdog teams to exceed expectations is a notable aspect of his legacy. This quality was profoundly demonstrated in 1975 when he guided the Golden State Warriors, a team predicted to miss the playoffs, to an NBA World Championship victory. For his pivotal role, Barry was named the Championship Series MVP, cementing his status as a transformative player in basketball history.