NBA News Wire
Talented, troubled Barnes dies at 62
Alan is an expert gambling writer who works as one of the chief editors for Basketball Insiders. He has been covering online gambling and sports betting for over 8 years, having written for the likes of Sportlens, Compare.bet, The Sports Daily, 90min, and TopRatedCasinos.co.uk. His particular specialisms include US online casinos and gambling regulations, and soccer and basketball betting. Based in London, Alan holds an MA in English Literature and is a passionate supporter of Chelsea FC.
All posts by Alan DraperUpdated6 hours ago on April 20, 2024
Marvin Barnes, a talented but troubled player who led Providence to the 1973 Final Four, has died at the age of 62, according to the Providence Journal.
The cause of death was not specified.
Barnes, a 6-9, 220-pound center, led the NCAA in rebounding (18.7) during the 1973-74 season, and was a consensus All-American. Providence retired his jersey in 2008.
He was drafted with the No. 2 overall pick in the 1974 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers, but decided to play in the American Basketball Association for the Spirits of St. Louis.
Barnes was named ABA Rookie of the Year in 1975, when he averaged 24.0 points and 15.6 rebounds per game. He went on to play for the Detroit Pistons, Buffalo Braves, Boston Celtics and the then-San Diego Clippers over four seasons in the NBA.
However, Barnes could not regain his old from amid growing substance abuse problems, averaging 9.2 points and 5.5 rebounds in the NBA.
Barnes had frequent run-ins with the law following his career.
