Harrison Barnes re-signed with the Sacramento Kings this summer on a 3-year deal worth $54 million. Immediately following the signing there was concern around the amount of money in the deal, but those concerns quieted down as free agency continued and the ever-evolving cap structure of the league became more clear. Barnes’ deal is a fine value, and the Kings kept a veteran presence who is known as a key locker room figure.
The question going into this season is what will Barnes’ role look like this season. Last year, he was a key part of Sacramento’s dynamic offense, giving the Kings another shooter to spread the floor and punish defenses who left him open. When Barnes was having a good night, a Kings victory felt like a lock.
But Barnes also had some issues with consistency. Barnes had a horribly slow start to the season, and hit a terrible slump in the playoff series against the Warriors. In that 7-game series, Barnes average 10.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 0.7 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. For the series Barnes shot 24% from 3 (compared to 37.4% in the regular season), and just 41.7% overall. No shot stands out more than Barnes’ missed three at the end of Game 4, which would have put the Kings up 3-1 in the series.
The Kings added another sharpshooting forward this summer, bringing over Sasha Vezenkov. Keegan Murray also appears ready to take on a larger role after a tremendous showing in Summer League. It’s easy to see a smaller role for Barnes, especially if Vezenkov lives up to the hype.
It’s worth contemplating a scenario where Barnes could even move to the bench at times this season. Barnes is a versatile scorer, and could have more opportunity to shine in the second unit. Imagine, for example, a second unit of Davion Mitchell, Malik Monk, Chris Duarte, Harrison Barnes, and Trey Lyles.
I’m getting ahead of myself, of course. Barnes could easily start the season strong, and retain his role throughout the year. But there’s enough roster redundancy and versatility that the Kings will have options if Barnes starts slow again.
Whether it’s in the starting lineup or off the bench, Barnes is still a valuable player for the Kings. It’ll be interesting to see how the Kings utilize him.
Put me down for 75+ games, and top 5 in total minutes. Barnes’ biggest contribution this year may very well be his durability, dependability, and selflessness.
Lots of minutes, start year as starter – may move to bench if Sasha is just too good to sit. Brown really sticks with guys.
Gets 12 ppg, 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Steady. Gets the ball in the post when the offense becomes stagnant. Gets to the line.
No drama wherever and whatever.
I haven’t been this excited for a King’s season since I was in High School. I’m 35 now.
Indeed.
Back when Big Dog shirts were the shit.
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I’d guess that when all is said and done, Harrison Barnes is going to log a lot of minutes because he can be counted upon to play smart basketball. How many times last season did we see him become aggressive getting into the paint so he could get to the line and stabilize things during a cold streak?
Barnes is an extremely cerebral player. I don’t think there are any intellectual midgets on the team, but in the heat of the game, it’s easy to let emotions take control and rely on athleticism or aggressiveness instead of taking a moment to figure out what the team needs. HB is as reliable as they come, and I think any team in the league would be happy to have him on the roster in whatever role made sense. Depending on the growth of KM & SV, that could be with the second unit, or Barnes may just start another eighty-two games for the Sacramento Kings.
Harrison Barnes is the best kind of problem to have.
83 games when we win the in season tourney
I’m glad we kept Harrison Barnes. Unless he doesn,t have a good training camp or preseason I see him as in a starting role at the beginning of the season. If Sasha Vezenkov has a good preseason then e could replace Barnes as a starter. If we keep last years starting lineup then Barnes would be a SF and Murray would be the PF. If Vezenkov replaces Barnes he would probably be the PF and Murray the SF. I personally like that lineup better as IMO Murray shold start at SF. I like the second unit of Mitchell Monk Duarte Barnes and Lyles especially as a small ball unit.
Yup, and his contract really is fair value. At this point in his career he is basically Tobias Harris at half the cost.
I’d also like to add, he is no drama. The guy is a pure professional on and off of the court.
Barnes has NBA starter talent. I don’t see him moving to the bench. That being said, having a player as versatile as him makes roster construction and lineup changes.
Barnes is clearly a starter on practically any NBA team. He isn’t a high scoring player and never has been. He can take advantage of what the other teams give him. He will never do anything to lose a game. He is too smart for that.
I can see Barnes stay in the starting lineup all season — he’s so highly respected by his teammates that his tenure and track record almost gives him the spot by default, with nobody complaining a bit. It wouldn’t surprise me to see his minutes dip as Keegan and Vezenkov assume large(r) roles… then again, it wouldn’t surprise me to see him log another 30mpg because he’s such a steady hand and is so good at fitting in with the more ball-dominant (and streaky) players around him on the court. HB is the OG of the Kings, and I’m here for another 82+ with him in a key role.
I don’t know about 30 minutes a game. IMO Vezenkov will bite into those minutes and even start after he has worked and played under Brown. I also don’t know about steady. Last year there were games where he was nonexsistant at times. Og is a great defender and I don’t think you can compare the 2 especially on defense.
Possibly having the luxury of bringing Barnes off the bench? What a far cry from Okpala as last years’ opening night starter. Let’s go already!
I have a ton of respect for HB and I know this about him. He will always bring his best. He has a tremendous amount of love for the game, his teammates, the franchise and although his results may vary from night to night IMO, he never takes a night off.
I love it when HB goes hunting. You can see it in his eyes, it’s very obvious. He could be hunting for his shot, a board, an assist, his defensive assignment….whatever. When he gets that look he’s lethal, whatever he’s looking for he’s gonna get….there is no doubt…his focus is like a laser and he is completely focused and dialed in.
I’m glad the FO decided to extend him.
Cawww Cawww – Black Falcon Alert
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HB40 is a flat out Pro. He was the third best starter for last season’s 48 win campaign. He will deliver all around starter (not All-Star) quality minutes.
He is also an elder statesman at 31 – but not the eldest: now that title goes to JaVale McGee (last season it was Mathew Dellavedova).
My prediction is that he begins the year as the starter and ends the year as a 6th/7th man off the bench with Monk after Sasha takes over the other starting forward spot.
I agree.
I think McNair will hit the gong with the signing of Vezenkov and Barnes will end up come off the bench. With Monk needing a raise next year, will Barnes last for his 3 year contract?
Badge Legend