Final Case for Bobcats to Draft Harrison Barnes

[CharlotteHornets]

The Cats have a decision to make on Thursday, June 28th that is the 1st step of a complete roster overhaul. For Charlotte it will be a choice between Thomas Robinson and Harrison Barnes. I believe the Bobcats should choose Harrison Barnes to be the face of the franchise going forward and below I will explain why:

The NBA game is an infinetely better fit for Harrison Barnes than the college game. Why? First of all, in the NBA there is a no handchecking allowed on the perimeter (A defender may not place and keep his hand on an opponent. A defender may momentarily touch an opponent with his hand anywhere on the court as long as it does not affect the opponent's movement). If you go back and watch film on Harrison Barnes struggles in ball-handling you can tell that handchecking was one of the things that really bothered him. He would often try to use his off hand to knock away the opponents hand. Kobe Bryant recently stated that the "college game is infinitely more physical on the perimeter than the NBA game". You will see that Barnes ball handling will improve immensely when he is not being hand checked. Second, there is no true zone defense allowed in the NBA. I know teams can play a zone but there is a defensive 3 second rule in the NBA where there is not one in college. Since the Tarheels were a dominant post team with Tyler Zeller and John Henson and many teams considered there weakness 3-point shooting the Tarheels faced a lot of zone defenses. That meant that when Barnes began to dribble in toward the lane the defense would collapse on him often with 2 or 3 opponents reaching in slapping at the ball. Third, UNC's offense was not a good fit for the development of Harrison Barnes game. Henson and Zeller were constantly down on the block which lead to a lack of space for penetration into the lane. There were very few isolation or clear out plays for Harrison Barnes and when there were the defense would often slide someone in the lane right in front of the basket because there was no defensive 3-second rule. Basically, the UNC offense was fast break, secondary break, or pound the ball into the post. That is not great for a wing player to develop his own half court offense. I can only remember one game (against Clemson) when Harrison Barnes caught fire and Roy Williams actually let Harrison Barnes go ISO in the 2nd Half. In that game Barnes finished with 40 points (12-17 shooting - 6-8 from 3). He was constantly attacking the basket against the man to man defense of Clemson getting to the foul line (10-11 Free Throws). I believe that was a glimpse into Barnes potential.

Next, Harrison Barnes is an ELITE athlete and you cannot question that. His no step vertical is 38.0" is two inches higher than Vince Carter, one of the greatest leapers in NBA History. His 3/4 Court Sprint was 3.16 Seconds. That was the fastest time at the 2012 NBA Draft Combine. Also, he measures in at a great size for the small forward position. He is 6'8 225 pounds. He has a 6'11.25" wingspan. As he continues to develop physically he is only going to get stronger and will likely fill out to 235-240 pounds which will make him a very effective post player for a 3.

Finally, I believe he fills a HUGE need for the Bobcats. At an end of game situation with the game on the line you need someone who can knock down the shot. While at UNC, Harrison Barnes was a finisher in several big games. He made at least 5 game winning shots in his career. With his 6'8 height, 8'5" standing reach, 38.0" no-step vertical, and high release on his jump shot he can get his shot off against almost anyone in the NBA.

I am a HUGE fan of Thomas Robinson. I think he will be an excellent NBA player and I will not be disappointed if we choose him. However, I think Barnes is going to develop into a special scorer on the NBA level with NBA rules and an offense more friendly to his skill set. If Charlotte drafts Harrison Barnes I believe he will average 21 ppg & 5 rpg in his rookie season and will WIN ROOKIE OF THE YEAR.

You may think I am crazy but those are just my thoughts...

[Whiz Kid]

I agree with all, however, i think 21 is a little far fetched. Its definitely possible but realistically I'd give him a 15-19 ppg rookie season. He can definitely grow to become one of the top scorers in the NBA though. I don't doubt that.

[DashGlobal]

Ill be happy with either TRob or Barnes.

Id be ok with Beal.

Id be pissed with MKG.

I am just praying we get one of Jenkins, Lamb, or Wroten with 31....

[Plowright]

I dont mind drafting Barnes, as long as we dont make him our number 1 option. I just dont want to make him into something hes not

[Veteran_Picksetter]

CharlotteHornets,

Thank you for this. You make some good points. I think 21 points a game in his prime is within the realm of possibility, but not in his rookie year.

He was far more than a jump shooter in this particular Miami game. Could this be a glimpse into his potential?:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mm0hWuzP0tQ

[gamecocksmitty4]

I don't buy the excuse (not just from you...I've seen it several times) about the UNC offense. Because he struggled in a college transition offense, he's going to thrive in the NBA transition offense (that is what Dunlap said he wanted to do)?

[superb1]

More and more I'm believing that Barnes would be better fit for us. I'm hoping we trade down with Cle to pick up that 4 and 24. But I won't be difficult for me if he went at 2.

[Toocool]

Firstly, I want to say that it would be hard to say that anyone could ever beat Vincesanity in terms of vertical. Yes, the stats say differently but if you compare the two, Vince is far superior. Dude was an absolute freak of nature in his prime. Barnes suffers from what I nickname the 'Hendo mentality' or the 'stand around and do nothing.' It's that killer mentality that superstars like Kobe have, knowing that when the game is on the line or they desperately need the bucket, they want the ball. Barnes lacks that, and a lot has been said about that. Rarely goes to the rim, poor ball handling, and is he a legit no.1 option are all question marks Barnes has. He won't average 21/5 in the league, it'll be a harder transition for him in my opinion, bigger more athletic defenders means its not as easy to get your shot off (although he does have a good mid-range game). He had so much expectation coming into college, and he didn't fulfill it. Same will apply to Charlotte. He'll come here with massive expectations as well, will he be able to fulfill that?

That being said, he has a great size and is athletic. He has a great jumper, and already is a solid catch and shoot player. Gets to line at a solid rate which also helps.No doubt he'll be an awesome defender in the league if he continues to work hard on that end of the floor..

Is it worth a #2 pick? I'll leave it up to Cho to decide, but I personally would say no. He lacks that killer instinct to be picked at #2

[DashGlobal]

As it stands now, there isnt no wing franchise player or number 1 option in this draft.

All these guys would be the 2-3 options on good playoff teams.

Outside of a few guys with alot of potential im just looking to add some solid quality foundation pieces to help going forward.

[marino13882]

If we trade down to the 4, I would be okay with Barnes, but I would rather have Beal or Robinson before Barnes. But I think getting Barnes at 4, then a big at 24 would be solid.

[NiceKrispy]

One thing I'd like to contribute to this thread is the differences Barnes would see if he were to end up here. Barnes took about 13 shots per game this past season at UNC and I imagine during his rookie year he'll be taking about that many in the pros. It could turn out to be more or could turn out to be less. I'm leaning toward the idea that he will shoot the ball a little more if anything. I notice stark differences in teammates at the 4 and 5. We don't really have any big men that are go to guys like Henson and Zeller proved to be at UNC so in that respect I think this could be a way that Barnes could see more looks and get more touches. Coupling him with two point guards that like to attack the basket could also be very good for him. I think Barnes could learn a thing or two about being more aggressive from Maggette. I personally think he will become a very good pro player if he finds himself in the right position to develop and I hope that will be in Charlotte.

[cltblkhscoach]

Please see the link below:
http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/221604/NBA_Exec_Barnes_Better_Suited_For_Pro_Game

[cltblkhscoach]

I've been a Trob fan, but Barnes is really starting to grow on me. The link states Roy's system held Barnes back, and I'd tend to agree with that big time.

[westbrook08]

I just don't like the argument that if we trade down barnes would be ok.Why? We have a chance to draft an absolute stud in robinson @ 2.And the video that was posted above is actually an example of why people should be scared of barnes.Hanging around on the perimeter and settling for 3's and using telegraphed slow hesitation moves won't get it done in the pro's.I saw barnes play in person alot,including his 40 point game against clemson.But the only times he really went off was when he could just flat out shoot over top of someone.And the lack of fire really scares me.I'm not saying he can't develop into a good pro,but when you have an absolute beast like robinson,who would run through a brick wall to win and that will clearly make his teammates better, why would you trade down and take barnes? Just to pick up an extra guy late in the first round who may not even pan out? It makes no sense to me!

[DCAWFAN]

I just don't like the argument that if we trade down barnes would be ok.Why? We have a chance to draft an absolute stud in robinson @ 2.And the video that was posted above is actually an example of why people should be scared of barnes.Hanging around on the perimeter and settling for 3's and using telegraphed slow hesitation moves won't get it done in the pro's.I saw barnes play in person alot,including his 40 point game against clemson.But the only times he really went off was when he could just flat out shoot over top of someone.And the lack of fire really scares me.I'm not saying he can't develop into a good pro,but when you have an absolute beast like robinson,who would run through a brick wall to win and that will clearly make his teammates better, why would you trade down and take barnes? Just to pick up an extra guy late in the first round who may not even pan out? It makes no sense to me!
In all fairness who says that anyone in this draft pans out? Even Anthony Davis has question marks in his resume.

[cltblkhscoach]

One thing I always say about players is we can't evaluate them as absolutes. Some of you guys that keep saying all MKG has to do is develop a jumper, well for Harrison it's an off the dribble game. This is a great example of Cho's analogy he took from Gretzky. All of us are looking at these prospects as they are right now. Cho has already talked to scouts and did his analysis and sees where these guys will most likely be in 2-3 years.

James Harden played in a horrible system in Arizona State under Herb Sendek where his strength's were not shown at all. Then he did well at workouts, and boom, now he's a budding star player. And who took him? Rich Cho.

Russell Westbrook wasn't a Top 5 talent according to scouts coming out of UCLA. He didn't put up huge numbers there, and UCLA was down when he was there. OKC got criticized for taking him too early. Who took him? Rich Cho. Now he's a great combo guard.

Perfect examples of him seeing two guys ahead of the curve. Barnes could be another situation where Cho could be seeing ahead of the curve while we're all arguing about what he can't do right now.

[Veteran_Picksetter]

Among Wing prospects, Barnes has the second highest frequency of free throw attempts, and that stat is adjusted for pace. He's the HIGHEST if you go by players in major conferences.

Also, he's on the low end for frequency of 3-point attempts.

So there's something fishy here. If he is so strictly a jump shooter, why is he going to the line so often?? He had to share the ball with a lot of other weapons too.

Meanwhile, Jeremy Lamb shoots way more 3's, and gets to the line far less.

Based solely on these numbers, it actually sounds like Barnes is a load to handle defensively, but needs to improve his shooting a little bit.

And yet, that is apparently not what everybody saw watching him this year. Maybe he is overexposed on tv and familiarity breeds contempt. Maybe Tar Heel fans got frustrated because he wasn't the next Kobe who could take them to the promised land. Maybe the poor tournament left a sour taste in everyone's mouth.

Source:

http://www.draftexpress.com/article/By-the-Numbers-The-2012-Wing-Crop-3990/

[Veteran_Picksetter]

We need a bigger Wing in our core.

We need guys who can nail down an outside shot.

We need guys who can get to the free throw line for easy points. (see previous post)

We HAVE to take a hard look at Barnes....

[Veteran_Picksetter]

One thing I always say about players is we can't evaluate them as absolutes. Some of you guys that keep saying all MKG has to do is develop a jumper, well for Harrison it's an off the dribble game. This is a great example of Cho's analogy he took from Gretzky. All of us are looking at these prospects as they are right now. Cho has already talked to scouts and did his analysis and sees where these guys will most likely be in 2-3 years.

James Harden played in a horrible system in Arizona State under Herb Sendek where his strength's were not shown at all. Then he did well at workouts, and boom, now he's a budding star player. And who took him? Rich Cho.

Russell Westbrook wasn't a Top 5 talent according to scouts coming out of UCLA. He didn't put up huge numbers there, and UCLA was down when he was there. OKC got criticized for taking him too early. Who took him? Rich Cho. Now he's a great combo guard.

Perfect examples of him seeing two guys ahead of the curve. Barnes could be another situation where Cho could be seeing ahead of the curve while we're all arguing about what he can't do right now.

I appreciate your point, but one thing: UCLA went to the final four with Westbrook in the starting line up. (Love, Westbrook, Collison)

Westbrook is a good example of how a guy fits better in the pro game. Collison could probably run circles around him as a point guard in the college version of basketball.

[cltblkhscoach]

Damn, UCLA hasn't been relevant for a while I just figured they were down lol. But I agree with you definitely...

[Potato]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AJFWX-yLgY

These are the flashes Barnes has shown of being a star

[CharlotteHornets]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AJFWX-yLgY

These are the flashes Barnes has shown of being a star

That is impressive...I just think if Dunlap can get Barnes to play with confidence like he had in that game he could be a superstar...

[NiceKrispy]

Bonnell just tweeted this, "Coach Mike Dunlap said his priority regarding #Bobcats roster is more and better 3-point shooting". I think that reinforces the fact that Barnes is a serious consideration at 2. They are also working out some guys that can really shoot the ball that should still be around during our 2nd round pick.

[Potato]

I also just saw Bonnell tweet Dunlap really wants to improve 3 point shooting.... hmmmmmm

[SWedd523]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLYaomTZs_U

Best wing prospect in the draft. For those saying Barnes can beat his man off the dribble, watch this video.


Beat your man off the dribble? Check.
Run off screens? Check.
Dribble pull up? Check.
Off ball movement? Check.
Spot up for threes? Check.
Finish the oop? Check.
Score in transition? Check.
Finish with contact? Check.

[CharlotteHornets]

I am a Jeremy Lamb fan as well...but the fact is we will most likely be picking at #2 or #4....if we draft at #6 or later and Lamb is there than I would take in a heartbeat...

[DCAWFAN]

kemba/dja
Lamb/Hendo
Barnes/Mags
DJW/TT
Smack/Mullens
supposing we get both DJ"s back seems like a pretty solid line up to me.
Where is Lamb predicted to go though.

[Whiz Kid]

kemba/dja
Lamb/Hendo
Barnes/Mags
DJW/TT
Smack/Mullens
supposing we get both DJ"s back seems like a pretty solid line up to me.
Where is Lamb predicted to go though.

How do you propose we get Barnes and Lamb?

[Chef]

I also just saw Bonnell tweet Dunlap really wants to improve 3 point shooting.... hmmmmmm

well there is this guy named beal we could also pick at #2.

[CharlotteHornets]

I just highly doubt we draft Beal...is he definitively better than Harrison Barnes or Thomas Robinson? Does he fit a team need as much as Barnes or Robinson? Considering the fact that the Bobcats will likely pick up a minimum of 1 additional draft pick from the Wiz or Cavs in so that one of them can pick Beal I highly doubt that Beal will be the pick...and if he is I believe he will be traded quickly after to the Cavs or Wiz

[Chef]

I just highly doubt we draft Beal...is he definitively better than Harrison Barnes or Thomas Robinson? Does he fit a team need as much as Barnes or Robinson? Considering the fact that the Bobcats will likely pick up a minimum of 1 additional draft pick from the Wiz or Cavs in so that one of them can pick Beal I highly doubt that Beal will be the pick...and if he is I believe he will be traded quickly after to the Cavs or Wiz

we could just as easily trade hendo for late teen early 20's pick and pick up a sf too. fact of the matter is, nobody on this board or the media know who we are going to draft, trade etc.

[DCAWFAN]

How do you propose we get Barnes and Lamb?Sorry i forgot there was two lambs in the draft. However Doran Lamb would fit the bill as well.

[Whiz Kid]

Sorry i forgot there was two lambs in the draft. However Doran Lamb would fit the bill as well.

Ohhh. Got ya' now.

[cltblkhscoach]

Thank you coach Mike Dunlap!! I've been screaming this ever since the end of the season. 3 point shooting spaces the floor, and how many times would DJ or Kemba attempt to drive and get massacred in the lane? No one in our lineup last year was a consistent threat from 3 - we had a couple of streaky shooters, but that was it. Now I'm a T-Rob fan, but I would almost be just as happy with Barnes as well. With Barnes strength being shooting, he doesn't have to be a GREAT driver, hell Ray Allen can put it on the floor when he needs to. And if Barnes is a bigger version of Ray Allen or Reggie Miller, then I will be VERY happy with that.

[Veteran_Picksetter]

Thank you coach Mike Dunlap!! I've been screaming this ever since the end of the season. 3 point shooting spaces the floor, and how many times would DJ or Kemba attempt to drive and get massacred in the lane? No one in our lineup last year was a consistent threat from 3 - we had a couple of streaky shooters, but that was it. Now I'm a T-Rob fan, but I would almost be just as happy with Barnes as well. With Barnes strength being shooting, he doesn't have to be a GREAT driver, hell Ray Allen can put it on the floor when he needs to. And if Barnes is a bigger version of Ray Allen or Reggie Miller, then I will be VERY happy with that.

Here's a nice idea: Maybe T-Rob shooting 7-14 from the college three last year was no fluke. As I'm sure you know, big men can REALLY space the floor when they are a deep threat. Imagine if T-Rob brought an outside shot with his fierce dunking and supreme rebounding. That would be sweet!

[SWedd523]

Here's a nice idea: Maybe T-Rob shooting 7-14 from the college three last year was no fluke. As I'm sure you know, big men can REALLY space the floor when they are a deep threat. Imagine if T-Rob brought an outside shot with his fierce dunking and supreme rebounding. That would be sweet!
So a blacker, more athletic, meaner Kevin Love? I'll say yes.

[SJackson1]

barnes is a great shooter and is capable of averaging 20 PPG in the NBA but does he tick every box ?

[cltblkhscoach]

Here's a nice idea: Maybe T-Rob shooting 7-14 from the college three last year was no fluke. As I'm sure you know, big men can REALLY space the floor when they are a deep threat. Imagine if T-Rob brought an outside shot with his fierce dunking and supreme rebounding. That would be sweet!

If he can step out to 20 feet and hit consistently like Kevin Garnett, then hell yeah I'm totally on board. We would have a superstar on our hands then gentlemen.

[SJackson1]

If he can step out to 20 feet and hit consistently like Kevin Garnett, then hell yeah I'm totally on board. We would have a superstar on our hands then gentlemen.

he showed his range later on in the season for Kansas and he has a very good release

[BlockParty]

Rick Bonnell ‏@rick_bonnell
Barnes workout for Warriors means his camp no longer believes he's a top-4 lock.

[Chef]

Rick Bonnell ‏@rick_bonnell
Barnes workout for Warriors means his camp no longer believes he's a top-4 lock.

or it means the warriors are very interested in trading up take him, rick

[spectre]

or it means the warriors are very interested in trading up take him, rick

LOL! You doubting the great Nostradamus Bonnell?

No way it could have been GSW on the phone with WAS.

[SWedd523]

Nostradamus had much more hair

[kitch0202]

Is it worth a #2 pick? I'll leave it up to Cho to decide, but I personally would say no. He lacks that killer instinct to be picked at #2

For a SF to be worth #2 pick he has to be able to do, amongst others, these 3 things well: Guard his position, create his own shot and use his handle/agility to get to the rim. Surely nobody is suggesting Barnes can do all 3? I'd even struggle justifying him at #4.

Cheers,

Kitch.

[NiceKrispy]

Let's draft him. Don't care if we miss out on 24 at this point.

[x2pacalypse]

well if Cho wants to build this team exactly like the thunder I have no question he would draft Barnes.

These are all rough comparisons but...
Kemba = Westbrook
Henderson = Sefolosha
Barnes = Durant
Biyombo = Ibaka
Gordon = Harden

edit: i also don't want barnes, my 2 cents

[ChuckHayes69]

well if Cho wants to build this team exactly like the thunder I have no question he would draft Barnes.

These are all rough comparisons but...
Kemba = Westbrook
Henderson = Sefolosha
Barnes = Durant
Biyombo = Ibaka
Gordon = Harden

edit: i also don't want barnes, my 2 cents

I would have paid 2 cents not to have read this. All of those are poor mens versions of the okc guys and most arent even similar. Lets compare our roster to the heat too while we are at it! Mullens can be bosh! McGuire is Lebron! Hendo is wade! Lets draft Barnes to be a second Lebron! Ohh booyyyy!

[DCAWFAN]

I don't think that Harden-Sefolosha Kemba-Westbrook and Biyombo-Ibaka. Are really that big of a stretch at the moment. With some good coaching you never know.

[Plowright]

I would have paid 2 cents not to have read this. All of those are poor mens versions of the okc guys and most arent even similar. Lets compare our roster to the heat too while we are at it! Mullens can be bosh! McGuire is Lebron! Hendo is wade! Lets draft Barnes to be a second Lebron! Ohh booyyyy!

awkward moment when McGuire isn't on the team any more... If he was we would be comparing Lebron to Dominic Mcgu... wait, who the f**k is that guy?

[tom v]

If Cho really is following a Thunder blueprint, then I think the only thing you can assume is that he will take the best player on the board. It's crazy to try to draw analogies to Kevin Durant or Westbrook, we have no one on the roster even remotely comparable. What's applicable is the fact that Durant and Westbrook don't compliment each other in the classic ways that we are conditioned to look for when plotting out a roster, but they were the best guys and the best athletes on the board.

I really hope that's the way he's approaching this. If Bradley Beal is the best guy on their board then they need to take him, irregardless of how he will play with Kemba Walker or Ben Gordon, and that shouldn't prevent him from taking a wing player next year if the best guy is Shabazz and he's available. OKC has premier athletes at every position except the 5. That's why I can see Harrison Barnes having appeal for Cho, as he tested out of the gym for measurables.