Golden State Warriors' Harrison Barnes needs a big year for a contract extension

After a fantastic run in the 2013 playoffs, it looked like Golden State Warriors’ forward Harrison Barnes was ready to take the next step but it hasn’t happened. Barnes didn’t play well and was likely upset the Warriors signed Andre Iguodala prior to the start of last season, which took valuable playing time away from Barnes.

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Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders points out Barnes needs a big season to earn a contract extension.

"Barnes was amazing as a rookie, however his performance dropped off considerably last season. If Barnes doesn’t rebound to form this season, things could start to get shaky regarding his future. There is no doubting Barnes’ potential as a player, but his stock is headed in the wrong direction. He needs a strong season this year to cement his future. They say the third year is when you define yourself as a player. Barnes needs to look more like a starter than a bench guy to get the career-securing contract."

Barnes put up 9.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game while shooting 39.9% from the field, 34.7% from beyond the arc and 71.8% from the free throw line last season. In his rookie season, he averaged 9.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game while shooting 43.9% from the floor, 35.9% from three and 75.8% from the charity stripe. However, in the 2013 postseason, he put up 16.1 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game while shooting 44.4% from the floor, 36.5% from beyond the arc and 85.7% from the foul line, which was the reason for all of the optimism entering the 2013-2014 season.

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Golden State Warriors’ Harrison Barnes needs a big year for a contract extension

By Andrew Melnick | Aug 19, 2014