The Official Harrison Barnes Thread

[SWedd523]

This is the place to discuss Harrison Barnes. Post up your Youtube videos, news articles, and fantasies!

[SWedd523]

Harrison Barnes is a 6'8" Sophomore SF from the University of North Carolina

http://starcasm.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Harrison-Barnes.jpg?ggnoads

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSu2t7-CijU

[Veteran_Picksetter]

Given our horrible 3-point shooting, I still wouldn't mind this kid if we traded down for 2 lower picks. He has the appropriate body for SF. Maybe SG as well.

Barnes and Jeremy Lamb?
Barnes and Kendall Marshall?
Barnes and Damian Lillard?
Barnes and Tyler Zeller?
Barnes and Austin Rivers?
Barnes and Jared Sullinger?

[Plowright]

Barnes and Rivers i would be thrilled with. I would take that over Drummond or MKG i think

[Whiz Kid]

I'd like Barnes and Lillard. Would definately be a great scoring duo to build around.

[dnbman]

If we end up trading down for two lottery picks (or just somehow acquire a later lottery), I'd be pretty happy with Barnes and Perry Jones.
Kemba, Hendo, Barnes, Jones, and Biyombo could make for a very fun team to watch, assuming Jones becomes more aggressive.

[Veteran_Picksetter]

If we end up trading down for two lottery picks (or just somehow acquire a later lottery), I'd be pretty happy with Barnes and Perry Jones.
Kemba, Hendo, Barnes, Jones, and Biyombo could make for a very fun team to watch, assuming Jones becomes more aggressive.


Jones would likely bring some length, potential, and also some stretch big man shooting ability that Biyombo currently doesn't provide.

You touched on one potential issue. If you bring in Jones and Barnes, you are bringing in two guys who don't have the assertive mentality to take over games. And some are now saying that Jones is a Wing himself.

[Veteran_Picksetter]

Barnes and Rivers i would be thrilled with. I would take that over Drummond or MKG i think


If Rivers became adept at dishing off, those two would definitely provide scoring punch. And there'd still be plenty of playing time for Kemba and Hendo.

[Veteran_Picksetter]

I'd like Barnes and Lillard. Would definately be a great scoring duo to build around.

I'd be excited about those 2.

[gamecocksmitty4]

Barnes will be terrific bench warmer in the NBA.

[BigSams50]

As everyone has said, if we trade down i am all for taking Barnes

[gamecocksmitty4]

I don't want Barnes at all. Especially not in the first round. A three-point specialist who shot about .350 from behind in the arc in college? No thanks. Not to mention that his handles are possibly the worst I've ever seen for a "top 10 prospect" that's not 7 feet tall.

[Veteran_Picksetter]

I don't want Barnes at all. Especially not in the first round. A three-point specialist who shot about .350 from behind in the arc in college? No thanks. Not to mention that his handles are possibly the worst I've ever seen for a "top 10 prospect" that's not 7 feet tall.

3-point specialist???

Beal: 47% of his shots were 3-pointers.
Lamb: 46% of his shots were 3-pointers.
Barnes: 26% of his shots were 3-pointers.

And for what is worth, Barnes had a better 3 point % than both of them this year. His FG% was comparable to Beal. But Barnes scored a lot more from inside the arc.

Think of Barnes like a stock that has dipped in price after a poor ending to the season. Midway through the season his percentages were fantastic. I wouldn't want him in the top 5. But I'd take a chance on him as part of a 2 player acquisition through the draft.

And there aren't any questions about his size for his position. We'll see about that for Beal when the measurements come out.

[dav7z]

3-point specialist???

Beal: 47% of his shots were 3-pointers.
Lamb: 46% of his shots were 3-pointers.
Barnes: 26% of his shots were 3-pointers.

And for what is worth, Barnes had a better 3 point % than both of them this year. His FG% was comparable to Beal. But Barnes scored a lot more from inside the arc.

Think of Barnes like a stock that has dipped in price after a poor ending to the season. Midway through the season his percentages were fantastic. I wouldn't want him in the top 5. But I'd take a chance on him as part of a 2 player acquisition through the draft.

And there aren't any questions about his size for his position. We'll see about that for Beal when the measurements come out.
I could see us trading down with NO , Taking Barnes and Lamb or Rivers . I like the idea of more scoring . Its all most a toss up between him and MKG . Thats how much i think we need scoring.

[WFU4LIFE]

Stay far away from Barnes, Rivers and Perry Jones. All three have tremendous red flags. Barnes looks like Marvin Williams v2. A good scorer, disappears in big games, and can't effectively create his own shots. I don't see how Jones is an upgrade from T2, and Rivers received a ton of accolades all because of that one buzzer beater he hit against UNC. If you look at his numbers, he was incredibly average, his effective FG% was well below many other guards in the ACC, and he literally travels every time he makes a move to the basket (not that that matters in the NBA). Unibrow, MKG, Beal, Thomas Robinson. Those are the only guys I would be happy with us taking.

[SWedd523]

You aren't saying that because Barnes went to UNC and Rivers to Duke are you, Mr. Wake Forest for Life?

[WFU4LIFE]

You aren't saying that because Barnes went to UNC and Rivers to Duke are you, Mr. Wake Forest for Life?
Nope. I was glad when we drafted Henderson. I separate NBA from College, and guys like Barnes and Rivers who only stay for one or two years really can't be called Tarheels or Blue Devils. I said what I did because Barnes is a choke artist with an incredibly over-inflated ego (See his draft announcement and recent talk of starting his own brand for examples), and Rivers proved nothing to me at Duke, and whenever I watched him I came away very unimpressed. I'd stay away from Drummond too, as he looks to be the type of big man who plays with no energy and no aggressiveness. The only Tar Heel I would have ever stopped watching the Bobcats for if they drafted him was Hansbrough.

[SWedd523]

I won't disagree with a single word you said. Just yankin' your chain!



And oddly enough, I hate Psycho T ever since he got to the NBA. That sounds so sacrilegious but I can't help it

[Pepperz]

Dont hate on Psycho T. He had one of the best college career ever.

While I do agree that Barnes is not worth a top 5 pick now, I do feel he will be a good player in the NBA. I smart indiviual that knows how to play with in a system is never a bad thing. Coaches will love that about him. If we had our 2 main stars on the team already, Barnes would be a great pick for he is not going to demand the ball that much but can still keep the defense honest with his shot.

Rivers has WAY more potential then Barnes. His handles are very good and has a really quick first step. His 1v1 is where he's going to excel. I wouldnt complain if Cho trades back into the lotto to pick up somebody like Rivers.

[SWedd523]

I know. Psycho T was the fucking man at UNC and will go down as an all-time legend. But for some reason I can't explain, I just hate him.


Barnes would be an awesome running mate if we already had our Star who could score 20 on a nightly basis or a guy like Rondo who sets his teammates up. He's that 4th piece you add, and unfortunately, we're still looking for pieces 1-3.

[Pepperz]

I was kind of pissed when ESPN made the All UNC team vs All Duke team and left Psycho T out the lineup.

[Veteran_Picksetter]

I know. Psycho T was the fucking man at UNC and will go down as an all-time legend. But for some reason I can't explain, I just hate him.


Barnes would be an awesome running mate if we already had our Star who could score 20 on a nightly basis or a guy like Rondo who sets his teammates up. He's that 4th piece you add, and unfortunately, we're still looking for pieces 1-3.

Please evaluate the following statement:

"ANYBODY you draft after Anthony Davis could easily be a '4th piece' at best."

Not saying Barnes should go number 2, of course. But really, it all kind of seems like a crap shoot after Davis.

Considering the fact Harrison fits a positional and shooting need, at what point would you be willing to pick Barnes if it were up to you, Swedd? Somewhere around 8-15, maybe?

[Veteran_Picksetter]

Great article on Barnes:

http://www.draftexpress.com/article/Finding-a-Niche-For-Harrison-Barnes-3900/

They seem to have a good handle on his offensive game, limitations and all. They also think he has the tools to be a decent defender. Another opinion: He could win over high-picking teams in the interview process.

[Bosnian-Bobcats-Fan]

I dont think Barnes can create his own shot without a pass first pg like swedd just said rondo...without kendall marshall in the tournament he got exposed....Doesn't have that elite athleticism...Im sure he will be able to score some but i think hes gonna be way too one dimensional. He wont be a star like some UNC homers are saying

[Veteran_Picksetter]

I dont think Barnes can create his own shot without a pass first pg like swedd just said rondo...without kendall marshall in the tournament he got exposed....Doesn't have that elite athleticism...Im sure he will be able to score some but i think hes gonna be way too one dimensional. He wont be a star like some UNC homers are saying

The thing I like about Barnes is that he has his NBA body now. We don't have to wonder if he will "fill out" (see Lamb and Davis). We don't have to worry if he is truly tall or long enough for his NBA position(see Sullinger and T. Robinson).

I think he is a safe bet to step in and contribute almost right away--but without a huge ceiling for the long haul.

If we don't get to pick Davis, I'd be content drafting lower for Barnes and another pick who actually has good upside (Lillard? Lamb? Beal?)

[WAM9]

While I am still undecided on the ceiling/floor of Barnes, I have to comment on the Austin Rivers theme.

Austin Rivers created his own shot time after time at Duke. He is one of the best Duke has ever had at actually giving him the ball, clearing out, and letting him go to work.

Just because the "shot" at UNC got so much press, don't let yourself be fooled into thinking that that defined his game. That couldn't be farther from the truth.

[Sik Infant]

I really like Barnes although I haven't seen too much of him, he seems like a guy that will never be an all-star but could definitely be a 12 year starter, he is definitely not a number one option but he won't have to deal with the defensive scrutiny he had to in College in the L, getting the oppositions second or third best defender will really open up the game for him imo.

[MadBOBCATfanUK]

Harrison Barnes showed elite athleticsm with a 38.5 no step vert and a 39.5 max vertical which is still pretty impressive. He was also the fastest small forward that was tested in the 3/4 court sprint. Did 15 reps and although his lane agility wasn't great it was still above average. Does this put some of his athleticsm concerns to bed?

[gamecocksmitty4]

Of course. But he still can't score.

[Pepperz]

I can see Barnes as a Cho kind of pick. He's very skilled and can still improve by alot. Westbrook was considered a stretch at the time he was picked but look how that worked out. He's looking for particular skills to add to the team and not just BPA.

[DUnit24]

Of course. But he still can't score.

LOL! :burp:

[Veteran_Picksetter]

Tom Sorenson says don't take Barnes, because "you don't waste the second highest pick in the draft on a jump shooter." He says it would be debacle of almost Adam Morrison proportions.

First of all, Harrison blows Adam Morrison away as an athlete. That has been demonstrated at the combine.

Second of all, jump shooter Glenn Rice would have been a heck of a 2nd pick. I'm not saying Harrison is as good as Rice--not at all. But once again, Sorenson's logic is flawed.

Thanks, Sorenson. I hold your opinion so low, now I'm gonna have to start considering Harrison for the second pick......

http://blogs.charlotte.com/tom_talks/2012/06/harrison-barnes-to-the-bobcats-no.html

[dnbman]

These videos by Mike Schmitz are pretty good, addressing pros and cons.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=SAuvZdi7coQ

[SuperKemba]

Tom Sorenson says don't take Barnes, because "you don't waste the second highest pick in the draft on a jump shooter." He says it would be debacle of almost Adam Morrison proportions.

First of all, Harrison blows Adam Morrison away as an athlete. That has been demonstrated at the combine.

Second of all, jump shooter Glenn Rice would have been a heck of a 2nd pick. I'm not saying Harrison is as good as Rice--not at all. But once again, Sorenson's logic is flawed.

Thanks, Sorenson. I hold your opinion so low, now I'm gonna have to start considering Harrison for the second pick......

http://blogs.charlotte.com/tom_talks/2012/06/harrison-barnes-to-the-bobcats-no.html

Yeah same here, that combine has me thinking Barnes may have more room to grow. There's no doubt he has the shooting and scoring ability and now that we see he's one of the best athletes in the draft as well you have to take a serious look at him.

[Katmandu]

Thanks, Sorenson. I hold your opinion so low, now I'm gonna have to start considering Harrison for the second pick......

http://blogs.charlotte.com/tom_talks/2012/06/harrison-barnes-to-the-bobcats-no.html

I love Sorenson's writing, whether or not I agree with him. He's one of the reasons I buy the Charlotte Observer five days a week. And, like Sorenson, I'd take MKG over Barnes. But I have to admit that the 39" vertical has me slightly less inclined to buy a Rich Cho voodoo doll if we select Barnes - especially if Brian Shaw comes and runs the triangle.

[Veteran_Picksetter]

I love Sorenson's writing, whether or not I agree with him. He's one of the reasons I buy the Charlotte Observer five days a week. And, like Sorenson, I'd take MKG over Barnes. But I have to admit that the 39" vertical has me slightly less inclined to buy a Rich Cho voodoo doll if we select Barnes - especially if Brian Shaw comes and runs the triangle.

The 39" vertical. The solid 6'11" wingspan. Being the fastest player in the draft. Barnes sure did muddy things up a bit with that excellent combine.

The deeper I dig into these prospects, I get more confused about who to want.

[Veteran_Picksetter]

Yeah same here, that combine has me thinking Barnes may have more room to grow. There's no doubt he has the shooting and scoring ability and now that we see he's one of the best athletes in the draft as well you have to take a serious look at him.

Kemba, Hendo, Bismack, and Barnes out on the break could be nice.....

[DashGlobal]

This draft is loaded with SF's! Id rate them as follows.

Barnes (with great combine)

Harkless

Miller (the most upside)

White

MKG

All really quality players.

[spectre]

The latest "source" has us looking at Beal/Robinson/Barnes. Throwing Barnes into the mix could be us trying to worry SAC & POR, but if Cho thinks he's our guy then so be it.

[Whiz Kid]

A lot of people have been knocking Barnes for his ball handling which isn't as terrible as people have been exaggerating. He has proven to be able to beat his man and get to the basket. Even if his handling does need work, I feel like its much easier to improve on your ball handling than your consistency has a shooter (primarily long range).

[MadBOBCATfanUK]

I was so high on Barnes then after his dissapointing tournament my expectations crashed but after blowing away the field at the combine I think he will be the guy that everyone kicks themselves over not drafting. You can teach a lot but you can't teach someone how to jump high or run fast. (To a certain extent)

[SWedd523]

A lot of people have been knocking Barnes for his ball handling which isn't as terrible as people have been exaggerating. He has proven to be able to beat his man and get to the basket. Even if his handling does need work, I feel like its much easier to improve on your ball handling than your consistency has a shooter (primarily long range).
Absolutely not.

Ball handling is a much harrder skill to learn than consistent shooting

[Veteran_Picksetter]

Absolutely not.

Ball handling is a much harrder skill to learn than consistent shooting

Couldn't agree more, Swedd. Kids learn dribbling mechanics from an early age. If you haven't picked it up well by age 20, that's a bad sign. On the other hand, you aren't even really strong enough for proper shooting form until somewhere in your mid-to-late teens. So you learn that later in life. A 20 year-old often has room to improve his shot.

[WAM9]

Ball handling is a much harrder skill to learn than consistent shooting

Agree .......

[Whiz Kid]

Absolutely not.

Ball handling is a much harrder skill to learn than consistent shooting

I can see where you're coming from but it could actually go either way.
Either way, Barnes' ball handling is much better than what some give him credit for.

[DashGlobal]

I can see where you're coming from but it could actually go either way.
Either way, Barnes' ball handling is much better than what some give him credit for.

This. It is certainly decent and capable of him getting off clean shots and beating his man off the bounce a few times a game.

Barnes only needs to improve his handle alittle bit where as MKG has to improve his jump shot ALOT and still needs to tighten up his handle. Not to mention Barnes is bigger and more athletic.

[Whiz Kid]

This. It is certainly decent and capable of him getting off clean shots and beating his man off the bounce a few times a game.

Barnes only needs to improve his handle alittle bit where as MKG has to improve his jump shot ALOT and still needs to tighten up his handle. Not to mention Barnes is bigger and more athletic.

Agree.

Barnes-bigger, more athletic, needs to tweak handles a little bit > MKG-"Winner", motor, needs a complete overhaul on his shot.

MKG may have a motor and a winners mentality and I definitely respect that, but his current skill set isn't going to do what some people project. I think he'll be a defensive specialist at best. No problem with that, however, Barnes has shown that he is solid on the defensive end and will be positioned and challenge shots. I'd take the scorer and still-solid defender over the only defensive specialist.