Brent Barry
A silky wing with a college legend for a father and an underrated pro résumé of his own.
Career Highlights
Years Active: 1995–2009
Teams: Clippers, Heat, Bulls, Sonics, Spurs, Rockets
Career Stats: 9.3 PPG, 3.2 APG, 1.0 SPG over 912 games
Notable: 2× NBA Champion (2005, 2007), 1996 NBA Slam Dunk Contest Champion, 40.5% career 3PT shooter
Legacy and Lift: A Barry in Flight
The son of NBA legend Rick Barry, Brent Barry entered the league with pedigree—but carved a path entirely his own. Drafted 15th overall in 1995, the 6'7" guard became a unique weapon in the modernizing NBA: a sharpshooting, ball-handling wing who could play multiple positions and guard them too.
Though known early on for his unexpected 1996 Slam Dunk Contest win (he famously dunked from the free-throw line in warmups and a warm-up jacket), Barry's career would become more defined by consistency, intelligence, and clutch shooting than flash.
From Journeyman to Championship Glue
Barry’s early years with the Clippers showcased his versatility—averaging double figures in each of his first three seasons. But it was with the Seattle SuperSonics where he truly shined, often acting as a secondary playmaker and spacing the floor for scorers like Ray Allen.
He later signed with the San Antonio Spurs, where his skills translated perfectly into the Spurs’ system. As a reserve guard during their 2005 and 2007 championship runs, Barry provided timely shooting, heady passes, and veteran composure. He shot over 42% from deep in both playoff runs.
A Student of the Game
What made Barry so valuable was how well he read the game. Coaches trusted him to make the right pass, rotate correctly on defense, and hit the open three. He posted a career assist-to-turnover ratio of nearly 3-to-1, and his high basketball IQ made him a favorite in every locker room.
He wasn’t just a role player—he was a connector, capable of elevating everyone around him. Few players combined spacing, vision, and savvy as seamlessly as Barry.
After the Buzzer
Post-retirement, Barry remained around the game as a broadcaster, executive, and ambassador. He worked in front offices and on camera, providing thoughtful analysis with the same calm insight that defined his playing days.
Brent Barry’s game was never loud, but always effective. With championship pedigree, a shooter’s touch, and a court-savvy mind, he became the kind of player that winning teams always make room for. A quiet craftsman, built for the long game.