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NBA: 5 Veterans That Will Be Coveted Free Agents

By Colby Giacubeno

Apr 13, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) leaves the court after the loss to the San Antonio Spurs at the American Airlines Center. The Spurs defeat the Mavericks 96-91. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) leaves the court after the loss to the San Antonio Spurs at the American Airlines Center. The Spurs defeat the Mavericks 96-91. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 19, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Memphis Grizzlies small forward Matt Barnes (22) shoots the ball past San Antonio Spurs power forward Tim Duncan (21) in game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 19, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Memphis Grizzlies small forward Matt Barnes (22) shoots the ball past San Antonio Spurs power forward Tim Duncan (21) in game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Matt Barnes

2015-16 statistics: 10 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 2.1 APG

Matt Barnes had a very interesting season in his 13th year in the NBA. It wasn’t because of what happened with him on the court, but rather off the court when he was involved in a “physical confrontation” with New York Knicks head coach Derek Fisher at the home of Barnes’ ex-wife.

The incident followed Barnes for the majority of the season, which put blinders on his production with the Memphis Grizzlies. The first thing that is well-known about Barnes is his effectiveness on the defensive end of the floor. In a league that has so many superstars playing on the wings, a shutdown defender is almost mandatory to be able to get passed teams such as the Oklahoma City Thunder, Cleveland Cavaliers, and San Antonio Spurs.

Offensively, Barnes wasn’t exactly spot-on shooting from the field as he finished 38.1 percent from the field and 32.2 percent from three. He did however put together some solid performances, including his first career triple-double of 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in a win against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Barnes knows the limitations in his game and is in the category of the 3-and-D type of players that have grown in popularity around the league. There will be a number of teams after him once free agency is underway.

Next: No. 4