Harrison Barnes started every game as a rookie for the Golden State Warriors last season. More importantly, he was on the court when the Warriors were finishing tight games last season. He found his footing and by the playoffs was a key contributor (16.1 points a game in the postseason) to a team that finally make the playoffs and then the second round.
Then this summer, the Warriors went out and got All-Star Andre Iguodala, who plays Barnes’ position on the wing.
Which likely means Barnes will be thrust into a sixth man role this season. And he’s good with that he told the Bay Area News Group.
“Winning the game matters more to me,” Barnes said….
“I can imagine much worse problems,” Barnes said. “I feel confident about this team and where we can go. Regardless if I’m starting or coming off the bench, I think we have a chance to make a serious playoff push.”
You have to love that attitude from a second year guy. Young players are often still trying to get theirs in the league — what they see as their points, then their money when contracts come up — but Barnes is talking big picture.
And he’s right, these Warriors have potential to do some damage in the playoffs. They need to come together, they need Andrew Bogut (and Stephen Curry) to stay healthy. But this is one potentially dangerous team this year.