It was ugly last season for Harrison Barnes.
After an impressive playoff campaign against the Denver Nuggets and San Antonio Spurs that saw him average 16.1 points on 44 percent shooting and 6.4 rebounds in just over 38 minutes in 2013, expectations were high for the former North Carolina Tar Heel. And why wouldn’t they be? Barnes exploded onto the scene, starting 81 games and 12 more in those playoffs as a rookie.
-== Warriors Provide Relief To Richmond Oilers B-Ball Team ==-
A franchise looking for a future at the small forward position found their guy. They realized it quickly, and it seemed that they were set on the matter. But, as Joe Lacob has proven on multiple occasions, if there’s a way to improve the team — without going over the luxury tax, that is – he’ll do it.
The following summer, the Warriors signed veteran swingman Andre Iguodala, relegating Harrison Barnes to the bench for what would be seen as an upgrade at the position. It was, as Iguodala ended up earning All-NBA First Team defense and adding a different element with his ball handling on the offensive end.
But at what cost?
As quickly as Iguodala gelled with his new team, Barnes fell out of favor with his former starters. Not for lack of trying, but there was a certain tone to his game that wasn’t seen in his playoff campaign. His declining shooting numbers (despite a slight increase in minutes) were one thing, but the body language was visible nearly every time down the floor.
He wasn’t comfortable in his new situation, and despite the success of the team it seemed Barnes was stuck between multiple roles throughout the season. Being limited to playing with the second-unit most of the time, he wasn’t put in the best places to succeed, either. It wasn’t all Barnes, but it was clear there was a problem.