After a fantastic end to his rookie season, Golden State Warriors’ forward Harrison Barnes took a bit of a step back last season. Barnes is obviously a very talented player but hasn’t come close to playing up to his potential.
More from Golden State Warriors
- Predicting NBA’s Christmas Day Schedule: Lakers, Warriors highlight slate of postseason rematches
- Steph Curry still defends Kevin Durant: ‘Most misunderstood dude’ in the NBA
- NBA Rumors: Warriors, Lakers among contenders for key free agent
- Warriors projected lineup and rotations heading into 2023-24 season
- Draymond Green blasts Kevin Garnett after falling for a fake tweet
Jabari Davis of Basketball Insiders believes Barnes could finally reach the next level playing under Steve Kerr.
"Just the same, if Steve Kerr’s Warriors are going to finally at least make a run at a conference finals appearance, they’ll need guys like Barnes to take the next step and become the player many of us anticipate.Although he has yet to reach his full potential, Barnes remains one of the league’s better young small forward prospects. Barnes can be an above-average defender at the position when focused. He has the size to defend some of the bigger scoring forwards, but remains agile enough to stay in front of many of the quicker swingmen as well. Consistency remains his issue, but perhaps a more defined role in Kerr’s system could help this season."
Barnes’ development may have been hindered by Iguodala and Kerr will have to find a role for him if the Warriors plan on Barnes reaching his potential.
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.
Be sure to check FanSided’s official NBA page to keep up to date on the latest news and rumors from around the league all summer long.