Boston Celtics Free Agent Target: Harrison Barnes

Would Harrison Barnes actually leave Golden State for more money?

Harrison Barnes is one of the most intriguing and biggest question marks on the free agency market this off-season. The former top high school recruit and North Carolina star has made a name for himself with the Golden State Warriors over his four-year career, improving every season.

He has been a solid starter/reserve for Golden State, however, a lot of people wonder if his numbers come from ability or being part of a great system. When playing with guys like Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, Harrison Barnes can easily be forgotten in the mix and the concern about how good he really is seems like a valid concern.

11.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 0.7 steals per game in 30.7 minutes is hardly anything close to a player worthy of a max-contract. Barnes also shoots 45.5 percent from the field, 36.2 percent from behind the arc, and 77 percent from the free-throw line, Barnes’ numbers are anything but a max-contract level player. Yet, many people are expecting him to get paid a maximum contract or near that this upcoming off-season.

To be fair, Barnes’ play may be helped by the great team but there’s no doubt his stats are also deflated a little by having to share the fame. Harrison Barnes is the fourth scoring option on his team and doesn’t handle the ball often. His usage rate is a measly 15.8 percent this season. In comparison, Evan Turner owns a 18.5 percent usage rate this season for the Celtics and Isaiah Thomas‘ usage rate is a tick under 30 percent.

Signing Barnes comes with a little more risk than other free agents. He hasn’t shown his full potential yet but still commands a near max deal, something very rare. However, he would add a lot to a Celtics team hoping to add a couple of top-tier free agents this off-season.

Barnes adds much needed flexibility to the Celtics’ lineup. At 6’8″, his natural position is small forward but he has proven he can play the power forward position as well. In fact, he plays 49 percent of his minutes as a power forward compared to the 43 percent as a small forward. He can also play center for a short amount of time, playing eight percent of his minutes there this season and 30 percent during the Warriors’ playoff run last season.

Brad Stevens has shown that he isn’t afraid to run a small ball lineup and adding another small forward capable of playing up in size would be a huge addition, especially if they’re also able to land a top-notch big man.

Barnes is a player who won’t be your team’s first option on offense or defense. Boston is deep enough on both sides of the ball that they’re looking for someone to step in and be a solid, consistent contributor every night – Harrison Barnes can be that guy. Putting him in a bigger role than he is in this season will only help his numbers and contributions.

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Harrison Barnes turned down a four-year, $64 million extension from the Warriors last off-season and everyone laughed and wondered why. This is why. He’s a restricted free agent but the Warriors – who own the third highest payroll next season – won’t have the ability to match an offer if he gets near a max deal. The potential that everyone saw from him coming out of high school and college is still budding as the young player is hoping to prove it to everyone.

He’s not someone who can lead your team by himself, however, he has a big game every now and then and you’re able to count on him making a contribution in some way every game. He’s a consistent three-point shooter, drives the lane well, plays off the ball better than most players, and isn’t a liability on defense. Besides, adding a player who can play all three positions is never a bad option.

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If his game continues to improve then he could end up becoming one of the best signings this off-season. There is also the possibility that his success is all part of a system, but I wouldn’t bank on that. He’s not a star but the multiple ways he impacts the game puts him on the next tier down. He also adds playoff experience and has been a winner throughout his entire basketball career. Opinions are mixed about whether he is worth the money, but taking a chance could turn out a big reward in a couple of seasons.

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