For those of you watching the NBA Finals, Harrison Barnes is struggling mightily for the Golden State Warriors. Tonight, he failed to score, going 0/8 from the field, and looking lost on the court. With Andre Iguodala battling back spasms and Andrew Bogut out, Steve Kerr finally sat Barnes in the second half, opting to play Barbosa and a little bit of Brandon Rush instead.
If he were any other guy, it would be easy to overlook, but Barnes was the first Preseason First Team All-American in NCAA men's basketball history. He was thought by many to be on the same level of "one-and-done" players such as Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, John Wall, etc., and was widely considered to be a better prospect in the class of 2010 than Kyrie Irving.
He had a nice two years at UNC, but was not a superstar by any stretch. His low 40's FG percentages were pretty underwhelming. Had he not been historically lauded coming into college then he probably would have gotten more credit but given the hype, it was tough not to view his UNC stint as a mild disappointment.
For an NBA wing, he is what he is. A solid, but unspectacular player because he is neither a great shooter or a great shot creator. His role in Golden State is perfect for him because he does not have the burden of being an Alpha Dog, but he turned down $64 million over 4 years from the Warriors in search of max money, presumably elsewhere.
Curious for some of your thoughts, but I can't help but think that he has been a victim of sky high expectations placed on him as a teenager. Had he been viewed as a #10-25 high school recruit, then his career would probably be viewed as a great success. But because he was supposed to be a transcendent star, it is tough to watch him and not view him as somewhat of a disappointment.
Fortunately for him, he will have at least one championship ring, and his career earnings could exceed that of the combined Hawkeye Lounge earnings.
If he were any other guy, it would be easy to overlook, but Barnes was the first Preseason First Team All-American in NCAA men's basketball history. He was thought by many to be on the same level of "one-and-done" players such as Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, John Wall, etc., and was widely considered to be a better prospect in the class of 2010 than Kyrie Irving.
He had a nice two years at UNC, but was not a superstar by any stretch. His low 40's FG percentages were pretty underwhelming. Had he not been historically lauded coming into college then he probably would have gotten more credit but given the hype, it was tough not to view his UNC stint as a mild disappointment.
For an NBA wing, he is what he is. A solid, but unspectacular player because he is neither a great shooter or a great shot creator. His role in Golden State is perfect for him because he does not have the burden of being an Alpha Dog, but he turned down $64 million over 4 years from the Warriors in search of max money, presumably elsewhere.
Curious for some of your thoughts, but I can't help but think that he has been a victim of sky high expectations placed on him as a teenager. Had he been viewed as a #10-25 high school recruit, then his career would probably be viewed as a great success. But because he was supposed to be a transcendent star, it is tough to watch him and not view him as somewhat of a disappointment.
Fortunately for him, he will have at least one championship ring, and his career earnings could exceed that of the combined Hawkeye Lounge earnings.
