Harrison Barnes - NBADraft.net (original) (raw)
NBA Comparison: Glen Rice
Strengths: Barnes fits the NBA small forward mold, standing 6’8 with substantial length, mobility and athleticism … Fluid, confident and reliable in catch and shoot situations with NBA range. His ability to spot up and knock down shots will likely give him a long and prosperous NBA career … He’s crisp in the midrange with precise footwork and a high release on his jumper… Effective pulling up off one dribble or two … Uses pump fakes efficiently to get open looks … Maintains balance and body control when attacking the rim both on and off the ball … Has the ability to make difficult shots from different spots on the floor … Willing passer … Can get out and finish in transition … High basketball IQ and a high character individual … Has the tools to be an effective defender …
Weaknesses: Offensively Barnes’ most glaring weakness surrounds his inability to create easy shots for himself … His inability to create stems from his lack of an explosive first step … He’s also a work in progress playing on the perimeter since most of his high school career he was a post player … Most of his damage is done on the perimeter, where he struggles to move north/south and attack the rim off the dribble … Too one-dimensional, and hasn’t added an aggressive go-to move from one year to the next … If his outside stroke is off, he has the tendency to disappear and become a non-factor in the game … Physically he lacks the explosiveness to finish at the rim with consistency or ease … Tends to rely on athleticism and shy away from contact on the interior … Too upright defensively making him easy to get by … Generally inconsistent which is enigmatic considering his talents … Needs to add bulk and become more aggressive … He was a no-show in UNC’s final 2 tournament games, which could leave a bad taste in a scouts mouths …
Overall: No one’s stock was damaged more by Kendall Marshall’s injury than Harrison Barnes, whose inability to create shots for himself was exposed … The microscope has been focused on Barnes after choosing to return for his sophomore year… Barnes has a high basement, in that worst case scenario he serves as an outside threat that can slash and defend … He’s proven that his game is better suited complimenting a top scoring option then being one himself … Still, he has the potential to become a team’s fixture at the 3 if his ceiling is reached …
Jonathan Wasserman 4/11/12
Strengths: Athletic wing with long arms (7-foot wingspan), good muscle tone and excellent body balance … Kid with a great attitude, work ethic and willingness to improve … Has a disciplined approach. Shows a good understanding of the game making positive decisions with the ball … Doesn’t show many bad habits, good body language … Has excellent form on his shot, and developing range … Can pull up off the dribble and hit shots … Does a good job of attacking the basket and creating contact and free throw shooting opportunities … Good foot speed, both side to side and first step off the dribble … Already has good body strength and with wide shoulders and core strength, should be able to add additional strength without sacrificing any speed or agility … Knocks down shots from the line at a good rate … Has only been playing primarily on the wing for the past 18 months, before that he was an inside player so he’s on a steep development curve learning how to play the wing … Gives good effort on the defensive end getting low and using a proper defensive stance … Perspective. Appears to have a good understanding of where he is now, and where he’s going … Still shows a good deal of potential left in his game …
Weaknesses: Needs to work on improving his left hand and become equally adept at driving using either hand … Should look to improve his mid-range game and become a more consistent shooter from the perimeter … Makes good decisions with the ball but appears more comfortable in the half court than finding teammates on the break … Shows an evolving offensive game after moving to the wing position and his ball handling and passing are still becoming second nature to him. He is beginning to look very comfortable with the ball in his hands facing the basket and his handle continues to develop …
Aran Smith 6/6/09
Notes: Measured 6’8.5 (in shoes) 223 lbs, with a 6’11 wingspan at the 2011 Kevin Durant Skills Academy.