Golden State Warriors: Ranking the last 10 first-round picks

Harrison Barnes (Pick #7 in the 2012 NBA Draft)

Though four of the statistically worst seasons in Harrison Barnes’ career came with the Warriors (2012-2016), the 6’8”, 225 lbs forward out of UNC was a consistent starter and contributor for Golden State in every one of those four seasons.

With the Warriors, Barnes received an All-Rookie selection in 2012-13 averaging 9.2 points and 4.1 rebounds a game, starting every one. Though he had a limited role in 2013-14 with the arrival of Andre Iguodala, Barnes had a statistically identical year.

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He started every game for Golden State in their 2014-15 NBA title season and averaged 11.7 points & 4.9 rebounds the following year in which he contributed to the historical 73-win 2016 season.

After the Warriors signed Kevin Durant in the summer of 2016, Harrison decided to take his talents elsewhere; a decision he says was definitely influenced by the KD signing but “was more so made for me.” 

Despite his love for the Bay Area, Barnes signed an absurd four-year, $94 million deal with the Dallas Mavericks; though overpaid, the deal brought Barnes into an environment where he could grow, and into a situation where he was the first-option, go-to player.

And the go-to player he was! Playing with a myriad of young, unproven players with raw talent, Barnes averaged 18.6 points and 5.1 rebounds in his two-and-a-half seasons with the Mavs. Despite his very solid numbers, Barnes failed to make an All-Star team in his stint with Dallas; partly because the Western Conference All-Star forwards of this time included Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, and DeMarcus Cousins in his prime, but also because of Barnes’ inability to win games as the team’s best player.

In the 215 games he played for Dallas, only 84 resulted in wins, an unimpressive 39 percent winning percentage.

Though surrounded with weak players, Barnes’ stint in Dallas proved he could never be a dominant force even if he put up consistent numbers.

Harrison was then abruptly traded to the Sacramento Kings mid-game in February 2019, and since then, Barnes has fallen off a bit. Despite his dropping averages, however, Barnes secured his second giant contract, an extension with the Kings worth $85 million over another four years.

His current situation is similar to the one in Dallas, as Barnes statistically looks good but fails to be a leading force that wins games. Unfortunately for Barnes, he may forever be known as the overpaid role player, but we must not overlook his value as a versatile, athletic big man.