May 10, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors small forward Harrison Barnes (40) celebrates after a basket against the San Antonio Spurs during the first quarter of game three of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The Golden State Warriors would not have made it out within an eyelash of the Western Conference Finals without significant contributions up and down the roster. However, a case can be made that the growth of Harrison Barnes was the largest reason why the Warriors flourished when many thought they couldn’t. Therefore, one could say that the progression of Barnes’ game is the significant theme going into an offseason with many question marks for an up and coming team.

The bigger question, though, is just where will Barnes’ game end up in the future.

During the regular season, Barnes’ numbers were rather pedestrian. But his numbers do resemble another up and comer in the league who was integral to his teams success.  Their two season statistics are listed below with Barnes on top.

Comparison of the Barnes and the other player are very similar in the regular season.  Granted, this other players’ team played a bit slower pace, but, the minutes are similar and the overall production is identical.

In the playoffs, the two players also had significant injuries that led to their roles being increased during their playoff runs.  Both players become responsible for much more than just filling a role.  They became primary options in the offensive and defensive schemes. Here are their statistics side by side for their respective playoff runs.

Again, the two players’ statistics are very similar. Remember, playoff basketball usually results in slower pace due to the ability to scout other teams’ plays and tendencies.  We all saw the pace of the Denver Nuggets slow down as the series went on, as well as the Spurs series when Games 5 and 6 resulted in the games being very bogged down and ugly. So, the comparison of these two players during the playoff run is more apples to apples.

Who is the mystery player?  Drum roll…..Chicago Bulls’ Jimmy Butler.The same Jimmy Butler who become so important to the Bulls that he had to play every minute three straight games during their postseason.

Butler is heralded as one of the up and coming players in the league due to his versatility and athleticism. He has also made Luol Deng expendable, which is no easy task. He is also in his second season in the NBA. What does this mean for Barnes?

Well, it means he is going to be more than serviceable in the league.  Next year, you should his stats climbs in shooting and free throw percentage as he becomes more adjusted to the rigors of the pro game. More importantly, you should see his attempts go up a tick as well for multiple reasons.

First, he should be more comfortable in the offense. So, in areas where he differed or was reluctant to shoot in his rookie year, should now become times where he knows he must shoot.  In addition, the experience of the playoffs has given him the confidence he lacked during the regular season. He became a viable go-to option during stretches of games and that should continue going into next year.

May 8, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls small forward Jimmy Butler (21) falls on the court after being fouled by Miami Heat point guard Mario Chalmers (not pictured) during the first half in game two of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

But, there are a couple of issues that may hinder Barnes’ inevitable climb. The first being the presence of two players in the position he flourished at during the postseason–the power forward spot.  If David Lee does not get hurt, are we even having the discussions regarding the Warriors’ great run? Probably not.  For everything David Lee is, he is not the mismatch nightmare that Barnes is for traditional power forwards.

The athleticism, quickness and shooting range Barnes possesses coupled with his size and strength, creates early 2000 Lamar Odom-type match-up problems for other teams.

The other is Carl Landry. This may be a blessing for the Warriors, and they do not know it. The best lineup the Warriors had on the floor during the playoffs did not include Landry.  It was a four “smalls” and Andrew Bogut. This lineup spread out the floor and gave Barnes the driving lanes to take the large power forwards off the dribble or create mis-matches against opposing point guards.

For everything Landry is, he is a flawed basketball player that can be replaced by giving Barnes more minutes in that slot.  In addition, Barnes has the ability to guard positions one to three now, and perhaps power forwards in the future (sounds like what Jimmy Butler does for Chicago).

For Barnes, the conversation about his future is an interesting one because it would not have been possible without David Lee’s injury. It may lead to more small-ball lineups next year for the Dubs because they proved they could still rebound and defend with the current personnel.  Therefore, Barnes’ numbers should see a decent hike next season to about 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists, one block with the percentages resembling 47 percent on field goals 40 percent three-pointers and 80 percent on free throws. But, these increases will only occur if Landry is not retained, which he shouldn’t be, for multiple reasons, but that’s another matter.

It should be the Warriors’ priority to bet on Barnes for the franchise’s future, much the same way that they did during the playoff run, if they want to take the next step.

The best comparison I can give is how James Harden developed. It took Harden four years before he came the bearded beast he is now, and he doesn’t have the physical gifts or pedigree of Barnes. Therefore, season No. 2 should be a transition season to season three where we could all be seeing the Warriors led to the NBA Finals by their own trio of superstar in Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Harrison Barnes.

May 16, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (30, right) receives a hug from head coach Mark Jackson (left) after leaving the game during the fourth quarter in game six of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs against the San Antonio Spurs at Oracle Arena. The Spurs defeated the Warriors 94-82. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The magical playoff run for the Golden State Warriors has unfortunately come to a close. The San Antonio Spurs closed the series against the Warriors with 94-82 victory, and though the box score looks like a blowout, the game was close up until the very last minutes.

Let’s take a closer look at how each player did in the Warriors last game of the 2012-2013 season.

May 16, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (30) leads his team and fans in a huddle chant after the loss to the San Antonio Spurs in game six of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Golden State Warriors 94-82 to win the series. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Point Guard: Stephen Curry

During the course of this offseason, Stephen Curry become a physical embodiment of the spirit of the Warriors. He was largely underrated, passed over for an All-Star nod, and his true potential only began to show in the post-All-Star break. Curry’s skill and potential was demonstrated on the national stage as he took the playoffs by storm, and at the age of 25, he is undeniably a superstar.

In Game 6, Curry scored a game high 22 points, going 10-of-25, and scoring half of his points in just the second quarter. He struggled from beyond the arc, making just two of his eight attempts. He also picked up six assists and four rebounds.

Over the course of his career, people point to Stephen Curry’s defense as one of his weaker points, but it was clear that he stepped his defense up in last night’s game. His primary defensive matchup, Tony Parker, went just 3-of-16, due in no small part to Curry’s defensive efforts.

Although Game 6 was a disappointing end to a truly fantastic season, Stephen Curry demonstrated that he is just at the peak of his carer and, should he stay healthy, he will mature into one of the greatest point guards in the modern era.

Overall Grade: A

May 16, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson (11) is consoled by power forward David Lee (10, right) against the San Antonio Spurs during the fourth quarter in game six of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Spurs defeated the Warriors 94-82. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Shooting Guard: Klay Thompson

We have seen two Klay Thompsons this postseason. We have seen the Klay Thompson that plays lockdown on-ball defense, that scores 34 points against the Spurs in the offseason, that averages 18 points a game on 48 percent shooting from the field and 42 percent from downtown on six attempts. But in the last four games, we have seen another Klay Thompson. One that averages only 10 points a game on 34 percent shooting from the field and only three attempts from beyond the arc.

Game 6 provided no solace for Thompson as he made just four of his 12 attempts, and although he made clutch shots, he found himself in the same rut as his previous games.

Unfortunately, the sophomore swingman finished his 2012-2013 as the latter. The Washington State University product has a lot on his mind as the season ends, namely his culpability in the end of the Warrior’s playoff run, and hopefully these thoughts motivate him to train during the offseason.

With the rise of Harrison Barnes, Klay Thompson will not just carry over his position as the second scoring option into the next season, he will need to earn it.

Overall Grade: C+

May 16, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors small forward Harrison Barnes (40) is helped off the court after an injury during the second quarter in game six of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs against the San Antonio Spurs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Small Forward: Harrison Barnes

Harrison Barnes has become the Warriors story of the Warriors. After experiencing undue amounts of hype during his high school years, Barnes found himself unable to live up to the hype, and his draft stock depreciated as a consequence. His play was largely quiet during the 2012-2013 regular season as he only averaged nine points and four rebounds.

After David Lee’s injury in Game 1 of the postseason, Barnes was thrust into the national spotlight, and the player who was overrated so much that he became underrated delivered beyond all expectations. In the course of the postseason run, he has averaged 16 points and six rebounds, but beyond that, he has demonstrated his mental maturity beyond his years and also a skill ceiling that has not yet been reached. The most unbelieveable fact about him is that he still just a rookie of 20 years.

He did not have a great game in the final game of the playoffs, scoring nine points on 40 percent shooting, but what the stats don’t show is how he took one of the hardest falls in the playoffs, got six stitches, and came back no more than five minutes later with a swollen right eye and still played with intensity.

Harrison Barnes represents the team’s youth and inexperience, but also its high potential and promise for future seasons.

Overall Grade: B

May 16, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors power forward Carl Landry (7) with center Festus Ezeli (31) fouls San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Manu Ginobili (20) during the third quarter of game six of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Power Forward: Festus Ezeli

Festus Ezeli filled the role of starting power forward in Game 6, a role that has been filled by many people during this postseason. Unfortunately, he didn’t really do anything in his 23 minutes of game time, finishing the night with just 2 points, going 0-of-2 from the field and only making two of his four free throws. He did manage to rack up seven boards, but his early foul trouble limited his play.

The power forward role will be the most flexible going forward, and is clearly still the least defined for the offseason. Hopefully David Lee recovers fully and he can come back in full force for the next season.

Overall Grade: C

May 16, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut (12, left) and shooting guard Klay Thompson (11, right) react against the San Antonio Spurs during the fourth quarter in game six of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Spurs defeated the Warriors 94-82. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Center: Andrew Bogut

Andrew Bogut played the least of all the starters in Game 6, logging only twenty minutes of game time, probably due to his ongoing battle with injuries.

He finished the night with three points, making only one of his three field goal attempts, but grabbed seven rebounds. The Australian center has struggled with injuries all season long, and he was clearly hobbled in last nights game.

Throughout this postseason, Bogut has demonstrated himself as a capable defender and a strong post presence when he is at 100 percent, but unfortunately he could not finish the season as such.

Overall Grade: B-

May 16, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors point guard Jarrett Jack (2) passes out the ball between San Antonio Spurs point guard Gary Neal (14) and center Boris Diaw (33) during the first quarter of game six of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Sixth Man: Jarrett Jack

If you would have told me two weeks ago that I would have been yelling at Klay Thompson for taking shots when he should be giving them to Jarrett Jack, I would have called you crazy.

The 29 year old Sixth Man has averaged 17 points on 50 percent shooting this postseason, making an average of six of his 12 attempts. He has also averaged four rebounds, five assists, and one steal in his last 12 games. He has also seen an increase in his minutes, from just under 30 minutes in the regular season to about 36 minutes in the playoffs.

In Game 6, Jack finished the night with 12 points, making six of his 12 attempts. He logged 32 minutes, and played the most behind Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Though Jack has been criticized in the past for taking too many shots or making mental errors, he has demonstrated himself as a reliable backup point guard and someone who can add instant offense when the Warriors’ play is getting too stagnant. Hopefully the Dubs can retain Jarrett Jack this postseason.

Overall Grade: A+

May 16, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (30, right) receives a hug from power forward David Lee (left) after leaving the game during the fourth quarter in game six of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs against the San Antonio Spurs at Oracle Arena. The Spurs defeated the Warriors 94-82. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Bench

The Warriors bench really stepped up in their last effort of the season, scoring a cumulative 21 points on 38 percent shooting and racking 16 up sixteen boards. Andris Biedrins played his most minutes of the postseason, logging in eleven minutes off the bench to help a hobbled Andrew Bogut and a Festus Ezeli who ran into foul trouble.

Carl Landry and David Lee lead the bench in scoring, with Landry scoring 11 points on 50 percent shooting and grabbing seven rebounds to boot. Lee, who has been playing one one leg since Game 1 of the Denver series, logged an impressive 12 minutes. Lee scored nine points and grabbed five rebounds.

Overall Grade: B+