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.
[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)
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.
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-
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.
