Warriors Workshop Webisode 1: Writers Reminisce About #WeBelieve
"Carlos Murillo: I was pretty happy about the Matt Barnes signing. I had been saying for a few days about how I thought the Warriors should go after him (I have the receipts a.k.a. tweets to prove it). It makes more sense than adding a third string point guard. He has looked a little lost offensively, but that’s to be expected. Defensively, I like what he can bring. Steve Kerr doesn’t need him to do a lot so I think it’s a solid pickup. It’s always nice to bring back the best Barnes in team history."
Charles Rahrig V: Bringing Matt Barnes back is one of the best things the Warriors can do this season. There’s a special bond between him and the bay area and it’s going to pay dividends in the locker room. To be successful on the Warriors, he just needs to be himself. He needs to bring that edge, make the heads up play. He’s great at assimilating in any situation and that’s why he’s a good fit.
"Segun Giwa: I had a mixed reaction to the Barnes’ signing. On one hand it meant that KD was likely going to miss an extended period of time. But on the other hand, the Warriors signed one of the OG We Believe Warriors. Not only does his signing bring me back to the infancy of my Warrior fan days, but it also meant that Jose Calderon wouldn’t play one second as a Warrior! Barnes is 36 and washed, but his versatility and ability to play both forward spots will hopefully keep a band-aid on KD’s absence until he is ready to return."
Eric He: I like the Matt Barnes signing because it doesn’t hurt to have a second version of Draymond Green and a veteran small forward who can fill minutes while Kevin Durant is out. He doesn’t need to do too much to succeed on this version of the Warriors — just play defense, play within the system on offense and be the pest that he usually is. While he doesn’t fit the up-and-down, three-point mold of the Warriors, I think he’ll be a serviceable veteran who has a specific role and purpose on the court.
"Michael Shultz: When the Warriors signed Matt Barnes, my initial thought was that Kevin Durant’s injury must be serious and might be out for the season. In order for Barnes to be successful with this team, he needs to knock down his open threes and be alert on defense, making the right rotations. I think he fits in perfectly to what the Warriors run because he’s a willing passer, provides them with little bit of toughness and he wants to be here. Barnes is struggling shooting this season but with the Warriors, those shots will become easier and uncontested. His shooting percentage should skyrocket due to all the talent on the Warriors."
Derek Tahara: My initial thoughts about the Warriors signing Matt Barnes was “Fantastic, he can take some of Draymond’s technicals.” In all seriousness, he will add more toughness and another great veteran, who will do everything he can to help the Warriors win a title in June. I think what he needs to do to be successful on the Warriors is stay in the flow of the offense and keep making great cuts to the rim, since he is a great cutter. I think he fits well because he adds another element of toughness to the team other than Draymond.
"Ryan Viera: My initial thoughts when the Warriors signed Matt Barnes were that KD’s injury must be pretty serious if the Warriors are going out and getting a wing right away. I like the signing overall, can be an enforcer on the court, was a fan favorite during his two years with the team, can hold his own defending the perimeter, and can hit an open three when need be. To be successful he just needs to play within the offense and shoot open looks. I think getting him a few minutes a game behind McCaw and Andre will help steady the ship until Kevin returns."