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Memphis Grizzlies: Top 10 NBA Draft picks in franchise history

By Raymond Simms

Copyright 2007 NBAE (Photo by Chris Desmond/NBAE via Getty Images)
Copyright 2007 NBAE (Photo by Chris Desmond/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
(Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /

9. Matt Barnes (SF) — No. 45 pick in 2002 NBA Draft

Career stats (with the Grizzlies, 2015-16):  76 GP, 10.0 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 38.1 FG%, 32.2 3P%, 80.4 FT%

Matt Barnes played for eight franchises over 12 seasons before arriving back in Memphis after a draft-day trade. He even played for one of those teams twice — the Los Angeles Clippers (2003-04, 2012-15). Barnes played 779 games, 18,000 minutes, scored 6,304 points, grabbed 3,477 rebounds and dished out 1,333 assists in that span.

Two trades shifted him from the Clippers to the Grizzlies. On June 15, the Clippers sent him and Spencer Hawes to the Charlotte Hornets for Lance Stephenson. Ten days later, Charlotte shipped him to Memphis for Luke Ridnour.

Barnes played 76 games for the Grizzlies during the 2015-16 season. He averaged 10.0 points per game, but did so on 38.1 percent shooting from the field. He also averaged 5.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.0 steals per game.

Despite being 35 years old, Barnes showed he could still produce. He notched seven double-doubles and a triple-double during the year. His triple-double occurred in a March win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Barnes came away with 26 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.

The Grizzlies needed every minute Barnes could provide. That 2015-16 team played a league-record 28 players over the season. They were forced to do so because of a rash of injuries.

Unfortunately, the turnover took its toll. The Grizzlies, including Barnes, struggled once they reached the playoffs. The team was swept by the San Antonio Spurs in the first round.

Barnes went on his way the following summer, signing with his hometown Sacramento Kings. However, they waived him in February 2017. That freed him up to finish the season with the Golden State Warriors. He would end the year as an NBA champion.

Matt Barnes didn’t come directly to the Grizzlies when the team drafted him in 2002. However, his selection paid off in the moment Memphis really needed him.

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