So let me get this straight - Gerald Green bound for glory, Matt Barnes crap?
That´s what your going with...seriously? Okay, I´m not from Phoenix, I haven´t seen Barnes play 82 games. I have, however, followed his career for the last few seasons and here is what I remember clearly about him.
Solid 3 point shooter, doesn´t carry an ego with the necessity of being a starter, has a mid-range game, DOES play defense and approaches it with tenacity and drive. Versatility, as in the ability in a small ball system to step into the 3 or 4 on offense or defense. Those were just my observations.
Phoenix was not a good fit for him for whatever reason, but unlike Gerald Green, he HAS proven in years past to be a very solid and important contributor to a playoff team. In Golden State he was one of the essential characters to the spirit that helped them overcome the heavily favorited Dallas Mavericks. He impressed me then, and if utilized correctly he could be a great asset to a playoff team. He´s still 28 years old and should be in the prime of his career.
Here is what NBA.com says about him from that season in Golden State when he thrived:
Appeared in 76 games (23 starts), averaging 9.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 23.9 minutes, all of which were career highs...In 23 starts, averaged 15.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.43 steals in 34.7 minutes...In 14 games against former teams (L.A Clippers, Memphis, New York, Philadelphia and Sacramento), averaged 13.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.14 steals in 25.5 minutes...Scored 20-or-more points eight times with two 30-plus point efforts...Recorded eight double-doubles...Finished second on team with 106 three-point field goals (106-290, 36.6% 3FG)
He also averaged 10 and 5 last season for Phoenix last season. I don´t know, I don´t pretend Barnes is our savior. I just think he can come in, spell Pierce for a while, play team ball, D up the small forward on the other team, give some fouls, and hit some open 3´s. And compared to the other free agents out there that are left, I don´t see many better options. Certainly not Gerald Green for that matter.