Rick Barry apologizes to Ex-Warrior for calling him "not a player" during a live broadcast

Rick Barry has always prided himself on being the best underhand free-throw shooter in the NBA, ending his 10-year NBA career with a 90 percent free-throw percentage using his unorthodox form.

However, last week, that pride took its toll as Barry called Golden State Warriors color commentator Kelenna Azubuike "not a player" on a live broadcast for not learning how to properly shoot underhand free throws despite him being a former NBA player.

Barry has already apologized for his remarks off-air. Still, during Golden State's game against the Utah Jazz, an apology letter was flashed during the live broadcast that echoed the same sentiments.

"I had no idea it was you I was speaking with. I would never want to insult your ability as a basketball player," the letter read. "I felt terrible… I hope you accept my sincere apology."

Azubuike admitted he couldn't shoot 

The NBC Sports Bay Area's broadcast team of Azubuike and Bob Fitzgerald was announcing for the Warriors' game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Nov. 22.

During Jimmy Butler's free throws in the third quarter, the broadcast cut away to a clip of Buddy Hield trying to shoot underhanded free throws, sparking a debate between the two commentators.

Barry was also present during the discussion and offered his thoughts about the scientifically proven efficiency of the peculiar shooting form that he popularized. Later, Azubuike admitted that he, too, tried shooting like that from the stripe but struggled greatly.

So, he wanted to ask some advice from the legend himself.

However, in an out-of-pocket fashion, Barry made a remark that left both Bob and Kelenna astounded.

"But the thing about it is that you're not a player," he said. Even though the two broadcasters had said that Azubuike played in the NBA, Barry reiterated his opinion of the former Kentucky Wildcat.

"No, but you're not a player," Barry reiterated. "I mean, a real player would have learned how to do it properly. If you really had the skills and the desire to do it, you would be a better free-throw shooter."

This gained the ire of many fans, who called Barry's comments "cring-ey," and even prompted a response from Azubuike's wife on X, something the former NBA player has reposted.

Related: "He broke up a happy home without even knowing that" - Kendrick Perkins on how Chris Paul sparked Celtics feud

Kelenna has accepted his apology

Azubuike went undrafted in the 2007 draft, but was called up from the D-League, where he had averaged 12.6 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists, by the Warriors in January 2007.

As a 6'5" wing, Azubuike posted averages of 10.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.1 assists in his four years with the Warriors. Then, he would miss the entire 2010-2011 season after sustaining a patellar tendon injury in 2009.

The Dallas Mavericks gave him a chance in 2012, but he failed to make a significant impact, averaging only 2.3 points, which turned out to be his last season.

And with his remarks, Barry dismissed with Azubuike's NBA stint on live television.

However, after a timeout in the first quarter of the Warriors-Jazz clash, Kelenna revealed on the broadcast that Rick immediately called him the next day to offer his apology, which he said he obviously accepted.

"He left a nice voicemail, sent a text. I called him back. We had a really nice conversation," Azubuike said. "I really appreciated him reaching out."

Although Azubuike may not have been a legend like Barry, who is an NBA champion, Finals MVP and eight-time All-Star, the player-turned-commentator was still an NBA player.

And his non-existent underhand free-throw shooting skills can never take that away.

Related: "Damn, I should have listened to Rick Barry" - Shaquille O'Neal delivered some epic jokes about his attrocious free-throw shooting

This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Nov 30, 2025, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.