Through two years in the league, Harrison Barnes has proven to be an effective, if unspectacular NBA player. Barnes has had to deal with enormous expectations ever since he was a high school prospect and his play so far has not lived up to the hype. He finished this past season ranked as ESPN’s number 38 small forward and averaged less than 10 points per game and really wasn’t a fantasy option you could rely upon on a daily basis. Things haven’t worked out for Barnes in Golden State, but he could just be a change of scenery away from turning things around.
Barnes was involved in some pretty heavy trade rumors throughout the season but the Warriors ultimately decided to keep him. The 2nd-year pro doesn’t get a crack at free-agency until 2016, but if Golden State decides to deal him his fantasy stock could suddenly soar. Barnes’ tenure with the Warriors hasn’t been too impressive, but he has shown flashes of stardom at times and is still just 21 years old.
Playing in Golden State has been a challenge for Barnes, but it’s understandable that he’d struggle adjusting to being such a small fish in a big pond. Barnes has been used to being the focal point of his offense at every level but has been relegated to bench-status with the Warriors. This past season he averaged 28.3 minutes and nine field goal attempts per game, but those numbers would likely skyrocket anywhere else. If he could see 34 minutes and 12 shot attempts per game, Barnes’ numbers would be much more reliable and fantasy-friendly.
It’s easy to call Barnes a bust, but he still has a ton of developing to do and it would be foolish to write him off so soon. Though he hasn’t proven it consistently, Barnes has shown glimpses of fantasy greatness. In the last game of the regular season, Barnes dropped 30 points on the Nuggets to go along with five rebounds, three assists and a steal. He saw a season-high 48 minutes in that game and looked the part of a fantasy asset in an extremely impressive performance.
It’s tough to say whether or not Barnes will stay in Golden State long-term. Andre Iguodola is signed through 2017 and is the presumed starter, so if Barnes isn’t traded by then it’s unlikely he’ll break through fantasy-wise. Judging by how often Barnes’ name was brought up at the trade deadline it’s fair to assume that the Warriors view him as expendable. Right now there’s not a clear path for him out of Golden State, but if he ever does get that change of scenery his fantasy stock will surely rise.