Golden State Warriors: five role players we will never forget

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 16: Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second quarter of the game at Target Center on January 16, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Warriors 119-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /

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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – MAY 8: Matt Barnes /

Matt Barnes was a tough player that added grit and toughness to the Golden State Warriors in a time when they needed it.

Matt Barnes played nearly all of his career in the Pacific Division, most of which on a Californian team. In fact, he only played for seasons outside of the Pacific Division and one of those seasons was still in the Western Conference, this made him a familiar face, even before he joined the Warriors.

Barnes was one of the key players in that 2007 We Believe run, being a major defensive piece that allowed them to beat the Mavericks and become the first eight seed to win a seven-game series.

Barnes is another player who returned at the end of his career on a late-season contract and was met with ecstatic fans who were excited to see him back in a Warriors jersey.

Though he only played three seasons in Golden State, Barnes was a part of two major playoff runs with the team, including their second championship in three years in 2017 on the greatest team ever assembled. Every player on that 2017 roster means a lot to a franchise that historically has been disappointing, to say the least.

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