Fansided

Top 10 players setting themselves up to be overpaid

By Robert Judin

Mar 25, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Timofey Mozgov (20) reches for a loose ball during the first ahlf against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Timofey Mozgov (20) reches for a loose ball during the first ahlf against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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October 5, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Harrison Barnes (40) dribbles the basketball during the third quarter in a preseason game against the Toronto Raptors at SAP Center. The Warriors defeated the Raptors 95-87. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
October 5, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Harrison Barnes (40) dribbles the basketball during the third quarter in a preseason game against the Toronto Raptors at SAP Center. The Warriors defeated the Raptors 95-87. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Harrison Barnes

The Golden State Warriors have plenty of talented players on their roster. After all, they did beat the LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers last year in the NBA Finals — regardless if Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving were injured or not.

Golden State is the real deal. But while all of the hype goes to Stephen Curry for being the NBA’s Most Valuable Player last season or to Andre Iguodala for winning the NBA Finals MVP award. Some other players get lost in the shuffle.

Sure, Andrew Bogut is a defensive monster in the paint. Okay, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green are both all-star caliber players.

But where’s Harrison Barnes’ glory? That may be why Barnes and the Warriors have yet to agree on a contract extension.

Barnes averaged 10 points per game last season for Golden State and shot 41 percent from deep. With Curry, Thompson and Green getting all the love for the Warriors’ high-volume shooting, Barnes held his own.

Though Barnes’ true value lies in his ability to exploit cutting lanes to the basket and lock down guys on defense.

While it can be argued that he’s made better by having someone like Curry feed him the rock, Barnes’ abilities would certainly be highly appreciated by another NBA team.

It’s well documented how difficult it is to keep championship teams together. Green just got a brand new contract, and the Warriors have to allocate funds to keep Curry from the temptation of his hometown team — the Charlotte Hornets. That equation might equal out to Barnes’ exit in free agency.

A lot of team would throw dollars around to sign someone like Barnes. He may not evolve into a go-to scorer, but he could get paid like one.

Next: 4. Hassan Whiteside

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