3 Reason why keeping Harrison Barnes was the right move for the Sacramento Kings

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SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 24: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Sacramento Kings shoots over T.J. Warren #21 of the Phoenix Suns in the fourth quarter during an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on March 24, 2023 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Barnes proves to be a versatile scorer

In the modern NBA, there is sometimes a tendency for players to get pigeonholed into playing one style of basketball which can sometimes lead to an abandonment of important skill sets. If a player is labeled a “3 and D guy” he may find himself drifting around the arc and waiting his turn to launch a shot from deep. Otherwise, he may not get many shot attempts for the rest of the game.

Barnes is a veteran who has avoided this trap and turned himself into a well-rounded player. To find evidence of this, one needs to look no further than his shooting splits from last season. Barnes averaged 9.6 field goal attempts per game. 4.3 of those attempts came from behind the 3-point line. On the surface it may appear that almost 45 percent of Barnes shot attempts were from beyond the arc.

However, those stats are a little misleading and can only be understood when put in context. Barnes was also able to get to the free throw line to the tune of five attempts per night. This means that at least twice, and most often three times per game, Barnes was able to put enough pressure on the defense that they fouled him and the referee was forced to blow his whistle. When players are fouled in the act of shooting, the attempts are not factored into their shot attempt totals.

Therefore, a closer look at Barnes’ shooting splits reveal that at age 31, he has not forgotten the importance of attacking the basket. Far too often, players fall in love with the outside shot as they get older and abandon points in the paint. Barnes is the exception. While he has turned himself into a reliable outside shooter, he still keeps the defense honest by reminding them that he is still a threat to attack the paint of the dribble and finish with a poster-worthy slam.