2012 NBA Draft Grades: Warriors Select Harrison Barnes
The 2012 NBA Draft is underway and FanSided has assembled a panel of our NBA experts to grade the picks and provide reactions live as the picks come in.
Pick 7: Golden State Warriors
Selection: Harrison Barnes
Bryan Rosa – A Royal Pain
Despite the rough NCAA tournament, Barnes is a wonderful talent who brings a solid defensive game paired with a great perimeter game that will fit in with the Warriors wonderfully. The best player on the board, dropping to seven seems nearly illogical for Barnes, but a great pick up for the Warriors who have to be excited at having him slip that far.
Grade: A
Jack Winter
Golden State has a glaring hole on the wing, and Barnes should fill it nicely. There were times over the last 24 months that he was considered the best prospect in the world, but a relatively underwhelming two years at UNC quelled those notions. He’s a very gifted shooter and has deep range, but struggles creating his own shot. Barnes didn’t play with much athleticism, either, despite putting up stellar numbers at the draft combine. He has his flaws, obviously, but this low in the draft the Warriors couldn’t have done much better.
Grade: B+
Quixem Ramirez- Air Alamo
Golden State was reportedly very high on Michael Kidd-Gilchrist though Barnes isn’t exactly a bad second option. Barnes fills an immediate role — the small forward position alongside of Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry. He’s one of the rare players with an actual mid-range game in addition to average 3-point shooting range. His “lack” of athleticism is completely misguided.
Grade: A
Bryan Wendland-Roberto Gato
The Warriors added some size to their back-court (assuming they want Barnes to play shooting guard) with this draft pick. ESPN had Barnes as the fifth best player available before the draft started, and the Warriors lucked out with him dropping two spots to them. Some people think Golden State could be a playoff team next year if they stay healthy and their young players pan out. Barnes will shoot the lights out at Oracle, and maybe, just maybe, push them into the playoffs.
Grade: A