Comparing Golden State Warriors Players to Hip-Hop Artists

Harrison Barnes – Wale

May 5, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Harrison Barnes (40) looks on during the third quarter in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies at Oracle Arena. The Grizzlies defeated the Warriors 97-90. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

This was a really tough one. I actually had another comparison all written out, but I was unhappy with it. Then as my iTunes shuffled through my library, it hit me: Harrison Barnes is the Golden State Warriors’ Wale.

I like Wale. I like Harrison Barnes. But sometimes they’re just meh.

Wale built up a lot of buzz early on his career. His debut album boasted several high-profile features such as Pharrell and Lady GaGa. Energetic and smooth, his first single suggested that Wale could be a top rapper in the game. He never really hit a low, but he never broke into full-blown superstardom. Though his next two albums would actually feature many fantastic tracks (partly due to great features), the records as a whole would underwhelm.

Barnes is very similar. A highly touted recruit out of high school, the small forward turned himself into a lottery pick after two years at the University of North Carolina. Barnes followed up a solid rookie campaign with a very impressive postseason. Analysts everywhere crowned Barnes as the league’s next superstar. Given a new role in his sophomore season, Barnes looked lost. Occasionally, there were flashes. A strong drive to the basket or a confident pull up would give fans a glimmer of hope that the chosen one was still in there. In his third season, Barnes was much better and maintained a respectable level of consistency throughout the season.

Though gifted, both men are, at times, forgettable. It doesn’t seem like they’re at their best alongside other talent. Furthermore, they seem to be confused as to where they fit stylistically. Still, they’re consistent with loyal fan bases and on any given day, can do something special.

Next: Andre Iguodala