LAS VEGAS -- I thought Harrison Barnes was likely going to be the best or second-best player in the 2012 draft and should have gone second overall on draft night.

Nothing I saw Friday changed my mind.

Barnes showed off so much of his polished game -- from the occasional post-up to a strong perimeter game. We saw him defend point guards with ease, and it was a reason why he totaled only two rebounds.

He still has a lot of growing to do -- more slashes, more offensive-rebound crashes and more full-court dashes would be a great start. But when 6-foot-8 athletes have skill and feel, they are in rare company. Combine it with Barnes' overall basketball IQ and it can become special.

I tweeted that I expect him to one day be on Team USA, and I think he projects to be an All-Star small forward. That can happen only if he stays hungry.