2k6-2k7 REPORT CARD: Matt Barnes

by Atma Brother ONE on Jul 11, 2007 12:54 AM PDT in Report Cards

Who would've thought back in October that Matt Barnes would actually make the Warriors' roster? Who would've thought he'd be starting for Nellie as early as November? Who would've thought he'd snatch the starting forward spots away from the overpaid Charmin soft DunMurphy duo and never look back? Who've would've thought Barnes would knock down over 100 3-pointers this season after hitting only 9 total in his previous 3 years in the league? Who would've thought that at the midpoint of the 2006-2007 NBA season Barnes would have the second highest Warrior Wonder total? Who would've thought Nellie would have Barnes playing center at times- in the playoffs no less? Who would've thought Barnes would be draining shots from downtown in the playoffs at a hot 42.2% rate?

NOBODY. ABSOLUTELY NOBODY.

321 IN n OUT- barnes.jpg
[by loyal GSoM community member 321 IN n OUT]

The thing that will always stand out my mind about Matt Barnes' storybook first season with the Warriors is how he stepped up big time in the playoffs with 11.1ppg on 45% FG and 42.2% 3pt, 5.7rpg, 2.4apg, 1.5spg, and nearly half a swat a game. I will go as far as to say that the Warriors would not have shocked the world and dominated the Mavs in the 1st round of the 2007 playoffs if Matt Barnes didn't make this ballclub. Barnes was especially money in Games 5 and 6 of that series. He played a great Game 1 in the Utah series which the Warriors unfortunately let slip away at the end.

Aren't you glad Matt didn't quit hoops to pursue football? Although I must admit he would've a huge QB upgrade for the Oakland Raiders this past season.

MVP = Most Valuable Posterization.
(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

In case you weren't on planet Earth that night:

Marv Albert: "OOOOOOH A FACIAL!"

If you disrespect Matt Barnes he WILL come back to haunt you. The Philadelphia 76ers and Sacramento Kings found out the hard way.

76ers = 2007 NBA Lottery
Kings = 2007 NBA Lottery
Barnes = 2007 NBA Playoffs

After dropping 7 trifectas on his former team the Sixers [Mercury]:

"It felt really good," Barnes said. "Especially having Mo Cheeks last year, and he told me not to shoot jump shots. He told me I wasn't a jump shooter, so don't shoot anything outside the paint. So when I hit a couple of those (three-pointers), I was looking at him, telling him I worked on my jump shot a little bit."

It felt really good watching the man all season long.

Adam Lauridsen (Fast Break)

Grade: A-
Matt shocked the NBA, just like the rest of the Warriors franchise. Saved by Nellie when he was ready to leave basketball for good, Barnes gave this team whatever it needed, night-in, night-out. Toughness? Rebounding? Shooting? Passing? Ball-handling? Mohawk? Neck tats? Frisking Jax? He's got it covered. Now we just have to convince him to stay by the Bay for the mid-level exception.

Fun Score: 9
Would have been a 10 if he had kept the mohawk for Round 2. Why does no one ever mention this as a reason for the Ws' defeat?

Atma Brother #1

Grade: A
For anyone who has ever been cut from a team or not given a fair chance by a coach, believe in yourself and don't forget the Matt Barnes story. In many ways Barnes is the anti-Mike Dunleavy (one of the many complacent guys he outhustled and beat out this season for playing time). He was never handed anything in the NBA or given infinite undeserved chances to succeed. Barnes was proved to be everything that Dunleavy was supposed to be for the Warriors this season at a fraction of the cost- a great multi-skilled player who can knock down the trifecta, hit big shots, take it strong to the hole, handle the rock, dish out pretty assists, make an on impact on the glass, and bring nonstop hustle on the defensive end. Barnes Baby is the ultimate glue guy and role player who can play all 5 positions in Nellieball. He's earned every penny he's about to get. RESIGN THE MOHAWK BABY.

Fun Score: 8
We Believe Mohawk

DJ Fuzzylogic

Grade: A
Regardless of how well or not-well he played throughout the season, whatever he contributed was well worth the price! Maybe it's just my parents' frugality talking, but besides the essentials of hitting open threes, rebounding, and leading the break, Barnes' biggest contribution was making our horrendous 9 million dollars a year starter (legitimately) expendable. Although Mullin pulled the trigger on the deal, I'll bet Barnes abilities was able to make the undoable ... doable!

Fun Score: 9

Fantasy Junkie

Grade: B
Matt Barnes' season had two peaks. The first peak was from mid-December to mid-January where he got to start. This was proof he could hang in the league and would prove valuable when the 2nd peak hit. The 2nd peak was the playoffs. He hit big shots against Dallas and even got the starting nod against Utah. Expect him to cash in this summer.

Fun Score: 6

Hash

Grade: A-
Oooooooooooooohhh my! 06-07 was the year that Barnsie found his home! No matter what happens from this point out; whether he moves on to a different team for more money or remains a Bay faithful, few can argue that his home is anywhere else but the Bay Area. His energy and passion during our postseason run literally bled onto the court. Barnes is a true Warrior.

Fun Score: 11
Welcome home Barnes. Welcome home.

YaoButtaMing

Grade: B+
I said it all through the playoffs … every bucket Barnes made was another "chi-ching" ringing in his head, and honestly rightfully so! Barnes made some bone-head plays through the year, but you can’t argue he was one of the few clutch guys who delivered at minimum wage! For his hard work and energy I pray to god we find a way to keep him!

Fun Score: 7

Overall Grade: A-

One thing's for sure we will never forget that bad haircut-

well maybe some of us more than others.

You gotta love a guy who gets a Believe tat.

[By loyal GSoM community member warriorgirl]

Unfortunately for the Dubs Barnes is an unrestricted free agent. I'd imagine he's going to get plenty of offers given his multifaceted skillset and great locker room presence. Just call him Elmer's for everything he provides on the court and off the court. I have a sneaking suspicion that the Warriors will end up retaining their Glue-All in the coming months for a reasonable offer sheet.

Barnes said knock you out!

[ctrain35]

Should the Warriors bring back Matt Barnes aka Elmer's next season? What's a reasonable contract for him?

2006-2007 GSoM Report Cards

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Comments

Matt Barnes

Matt Barnes deserves something slightly under the Matt Carroll deal but if he were to get the 4 mil/year deal, I would still be content.

by BTT on Jul 11, 2007 1:52 AM PDT reply actions

Eh

Based on what was expected at the beginning of the season: A+

Based on what you came to expect of him after his hot streak: B+

He's really hard to pinpoint. He had great moments, and a lot of "Bloopy Barnes" moments.

Tony aka Drawlz600 is AWESOME!!!!

by Zorgon on Jul 11, 2007 2:46 AM PDT reply actions

Hell yes!

You hear his interview where he dissed Baron's nasty beard?

by walkerp on Jul 11, 2007 6:14 AM PDT reply actions

Macramento Barnes

He deserves a 3-4 yr. deal worth $3-5M. If it wasn't for him, we wouldn't have made the playoffs. The guy's a hustler and offensive machine. Why not sign this guy to a bigger contract?

by Phil T28 on Jul 11, 2007 7:18 AM PDT reply actions

The Unforgiven

When Clint Eastwood (Bill Munny) killed "Little Bill" (Gene Hackman), Little Bill said why do I deserve this? And Eastwood said "dserving has nothing to do with it".

As far as I can tell, there are no rules when it comes to what a player is worth, or deserves. It is a sellers market. Who knows what he'll be offered from other teams if it goes that far? Who knows what other deal(s) the Warriors have in mind that might take $$$.

Since he is such a good fit with the team and has Nellie's confidence, along with great heart, I say let's not be unforgiving and show him Munny!

by commish on Jul 11, 2007 7:18 AM PDT reply actions

he would've a huge QB upgrade

Yeah, That halfcourt pass to Baron for the buzzer beating three was Joe Montana cool.
The only problem I saw with Barnes was he pretty bitchy with the refs near the season end and lost some of his concentration.
If he can control his game and stick to what he does best he's worth keeping around especially now that we've lost Jason's drive.

by Skeptic con Urquell on Jul 11, 2007 8:57 AM PDT reply actions

Ball Handling

Barnes impressed with his shooting, all-out effort and teamplay. I'd like him back -- and much prefer him to the more talented (but less savvy) Pietrus.

Barnes' weaknesses, though, are considerable. His ball handling is terrible (he often finds himself mid-air and without a clue) and his paasing is, similarly, a real weakness (he's the biggest telegrapher since Samual F.B. Morse). One would think he could overcome -- or at least moderate -- these problems with good coaching and extensive practice, but he showed no improvement in these areas last year.

I would bhe pretty confident he can be signed for less than the mid-level exemption -- $3MM sounds about right in this league.

Overall I'd grade him B+ because his positives not only outdistanced his negatives -- they showed him to be a much better player than any of us would have thought a year ago. Plus he's a really good guy.

by johnl on Jul 11, 2007 9:03 AM PDT reply actions

His negatives

I agree he's not a great ball handler or passer by any stretch, but I thought he was fairly solid in those areas for a swingman. You're right though- Barnes jumps too early sometimes and finds himself stuck in midair though.

When players do that I think it's a sign that they're relying to much on their athleticism. Kobe Bryant used to do it a ton, but he's figured out how to use that midair to draw ridiculous foul calls from the refs or hit unbelievable shots. I don't think Barnes will ever be able to do that of course, but he could greatly improve his game if he learned how to play smarter in those midair situations or even better not end up in those types of scenarios.

by Atma Brother ONE on Jul 11, 2007 11:30 AM PDT up reply actions

ballhandling

was shaky-looking, but oddly affective. or was it only affective on the break because everyone else on the Warriors couldn't dribble? i agree, by no means does barnes actually break anyone's ankles or consistently try to create for others, but considering the line-up we got, he def. seemed valuable in what he was able to bring. i'm not saying that you didn't say that of course. but maybe barnes weaknesses and surprising strengths for THIS team means we need better ballhandlers.

by dj fuzzylogic on Jul 11, 2007 12:13 PM PDT up reply actions

Barnes

Who would've thought that some guy who barely made the team would end up being a huge part of the Warriors' playoff push and first round upset?

I remember at the start of the year and I couldn't distinguish Matt Barnes from Anthony Roberson, but he finally shined through and outshined not only Roberson, but DunMurphy too.

Those Youtube vids have Dunleavy sightings, and man, I gotta say those are pretty ugly. Barnes over Dunleavy any day of the week.

Zorgon does mention he does have his "bloopy" moments, but man he really is the ultimate hustle player. He's always going 100%; I can't remember if he ever let up on his effort.

Dude gets an A- for me, and he's probably become my favorite player from this past season. Plus, he rocks the hawk and inspired me to get mine too.

Ronald Reagan was a jerk.

by Nooob on Jul 11, 2007 9:39 AM PDT reply actions

I

would come to think that after trading away the face of our franchise, somebody in the exec office is trying to put together the team that the fans will still appreciate, night in and night out.

well, you've found it here. from a purely PR standpoint, keeping barnes keeps fans. he may not be the fans' favorite, but he brings energy and charisma to what makes us, the WARRIORS.

by jdmsir20 on Jul 11, 2007 9:45 AM PDT reply actions

This is a Unique Situation

Barnes is the kind of player that can only thrive in an environment such as the warriors. Even with a team such as the Phoenix Suns, they aren't as loose cannon as the warriors are on offense. I think that Matt Barnes is retarded if he doesn't settle for whatever the warriors deal him... and on the flip side, I think its retarded if the Warriors don't try to do what they can to get him back.

He's the pure hustle player that gives it his all day in and day out, regardless of the minutes he plays, regardless if he's having a bad shooting night, regardless of who they are playing.

Other misc. things that Barnes brings to the court is more attitude. Not only does he get his teammates pumped up, he annoys the hell out of the opposing players. Whether its getting in someone's face on defense, of stepping up when someone gets a hard foul, or if he's giving or taking a hard foul, he doesn't back down. He also kind of acts as Action Jackson's therapist in a sense. I feel that he brings so many extra things to the team off the court than people give him credit for.

Bottom line, Barnes and the GSW should compromise and make this work, he needs the GSW as much as the GSW need him. I want to believe that he would rather take a pay cut than go someplace where they'll pretty much keep him on a short leash, which will hurt his game.

by david240z on Jul 11, 2007 10:41 AM PDT reply actions

I forgot to ask...

when will the public know if Barnes is coming back to us or not? I'm interested to know about the moves that are going to be made as a lot of restricted and unrestricted free agent news has been floating around the nba lately.

by david240z on Jul 11, 2007 10:53 AM PDT reply actions

i hope i read barnes signs with toronto

i hope he chases the big bucks. I wouldnt offer 2 million.

I hate the guys attitude. His attempts at intimidation are clownish, it would be like dunleavy trying to intimidate, you just laugh at him. But he always tries to be that guy in the middle of things. I could see barnes throwing a carmelo at someone and running away too.

I got sick of his yelling at refs with the "who me?" arguing calls, but really tired me out was the finger pointing at his own team mates when he messed up..... very dunleavy like.

I was sick of his nonchalant ball handling acting like he is the second coming of MJ ..... then throwing the ball to the other team, the crowd, to no one...

I am sick of him leading the break and turning it over.

I am sick of his spin move..... to obvious he goes to it all the time

I am sick of his..... i remember that rebound earaly in the season when instead of gathering it giving us an opportunity for a win...he went show off and lost it out of bounds.... oh yeah that is how the season ended to with barnes non chalantly losing the ball out of bounds

i am sick of his soft fouls that result in "and ones"....time and time again

I am sick of one of the softest players since dunleavy..... POB

I am sick of the guy playing exactly like pietrus.... the tin man approach ...if i only had a brain.

I am sick of his shoot first shoot second ...shoot approach instead of rotating the ball....hot or not

I am sick of barnes.....

let the guy walk.... in fact now that i think of it..... the warriors should offer him a dollar over what he made last year...and it wouldnt be an insult.... keep em hungry.

by boogielew on Jul 11, 2007 11:14 AM PDT up reply actions

Whoa

What was in your Cinnamon Toast Crunch this morning? That's a ton of negativity.

by Atma Brother ONE on Jul 11, 2007 11:26 AM PDT up reply actions

LOL

I think he's been guzzlin' on too much "HATERADE." I hate reading haters comments on blog sites sometimes, it just a laundry list of b!tch complaints Barnes might not even see and doesn't do much for the reader but say wow... he's a hater- Barnes got love for the bay and the bay's got love for Barnes- go 2 a game and see for yourself. Barnes Bad Boy attitude is nice- he's a Bully foot with skills that keeps the game exciting!

by Tony.psd on Jul 11, 2007 12:08 PM PDT up reply actions

sounds like...

a case of matt barnes hooking up w/ his mom and then never calling her again. whoopsies!

by david240z on Jul 12, 2007 2:43 PM PDT up reply actions

He's got love for the bay

Great Read... FYI, Yea man, the dudes spotted all over the bay! Graduation Ceremonies in the city, San Jose Baseball Fundraisers, shoot even Lee's Sandwich in Milpitas! Goes to show the dude digs Vietnamese Spring Rolls and Boba smoothies!

by Tony.psd on Jul 11, 2007 11:50 AM PDT reply actions

Am I the only one out here giving this guy a B-/B

This guy has been big for us during the season but he has cost us a couple of games here and there too. His mistakes are the reason why he didn't get consistent playing time during the season. Of course I think he's a better player overall than Mikael Pietrus, but they bring fairly similar things to the table. There has been many times during the season where Barnes would just jack up ill-advised shots just because he thought they would look good. There are also times where he would lose his temper and give crazy dumbass fouls (like that one flagrant at the end of the season). On the other hand, I LOVE his hustle and passion. He is a great energy guy off the bench and I would love to see him back with the W's (especially since we lost Richardson) for the MLE.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!