Utah Jazz Free Agency: Potential Small Forward Targets
By Greg Foster
Harrison Barnes
2015-2016 stats: 11.7 ppg, 4.9 apg, 1.4 apg, .466 fg%. .383 3p%, 12.32 PER
Harrison Barnes can flat-out ball. He’s also in an ideal situation in Golden State: he puts up nice numbers on a record-setting team that’s well on its way to back-to-back NBA titles. He’s also only 23-years old.
One of Barnes’ biggest attributes is his combination of size, explosiveness and versatility. On one end, he’s strong shooter with good form who can hit from the outside, or dunk on your head. On the other end, he has the ability to effectively guard four positions.
Based on that versatility, Barnes’ greatest strength is his play as a small-ball power forward. With Golden State, he’s become an essential piece to a seemingly unsolvable offensive puzzle.
The biggest question with Barnes remains his future. He’s set up for success in Golden State, but he’s also shown star potential. With Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green collectively filling the Warrior’s star roles, is Barnes satisfied with playing second fiddle?
Would that change if he were to come to Utah?
In a perfect world, I’d like to think so. Barnes could become the versatile sixth-man that the Jazz need to get over the hump and become a contender.
Next: Nicolas Batum