CCT (Blog): Barnes to Phoenix

Barnes to Phoenix

By Marcus
Sunday, July 20th, 2008 at 11:33 pm

Matt Barnes told me tonight he is signing with the Suns, a one-year deal for
the league minimum ($926,678) .

This ends the deteriorated relationship between Barnes and the Warriors.
Just two seasons ago, he was the man, the key role player in their success.
He played defense, rebounded, committed the hard fouls, knocked down shots,
played with energy - everything the Warriors needed. He was nearly as
important to the Warriors' postseason success in 2007 as Baron Davis and
Stephen Jackson.

He certainly didn't play the same last season, and for good reason (the
death of his mother, disappointment from not getting a contract, Nellie
constantly on his case). Still, I would've liked to see him stay. Not only
for my benefit (Barnes is one of the most down-to-earth athletes I've ever
met). But I think he could've helped the Warriors. He knows the system. He
fits the style. He's experienced. He would've been cheap, much cheaper than
the $3-plus million he got last year. He also would've been hungry, coming
off a disappointing year.

The reality is, though, I don't think Nellie wants him around. Nellie had a
thing against Barnes. His turnovers burned Nellie more. For some reason, his
bad shots really infuriated Nellie. Which is wierd, considering how many bad
shots the Warriors take. Barnes knew it.

Based on every conversation we've had, Barnes would stay with the Warriors
if they made him an offer. He loved it here. He's a Bay Area guy. The system
fits his game. He's tight with his teammates. And it's not like he's getting
more money elsewhere. The Warriors can afford to pay him the minimum. Which
leads me to believe they didn't make him an offer.

On Jul 21, 8:02 am, "Robin Miller" <Not_My DeleteThis @Real_Address.com> wrote:
> Barnes to Phoenix
>
> By Marcus
> Sunday, July 20th, 2008 at 11:33 pm
>
> The reality is, though, I don't think Nellie wants him around. Nellie had a
> thing against Barnes. His turnovers burned Nellie more. For some reason, his
> bad shots really infuriated Nellie. Which is wierd, considering how many bad
> shots the Warriors take. Barnes knew it.
>

IMHO, I think it had more to do with Barnes turnovers that missed
shots. I remember games in the past two years where Barnes made a lot
of unforced turnovers. They were just basically mental blunders.

It's the interesting thing about Nellie. He likes the uptempo style
with minimal defense, so you would think almost "any athletic" guy
with some jump shooting skills could play. But Nellie actually needs
guys to make quick AND smart decisions. Barnes didn't quite seem to
fit. His passing at times was quite frustrating to me.

Don