I think Barnes is going to be a player that surprises people with his combine numbers.
Following potential 2012 draftees
- Thread starter Dr. Jones
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I think Barnes is going to be a player that surprises people with his combine numbers.
How so?
spycam1
Well-Known Member
I went back and looked at some highlights of Barnes from high school and he seemed more athletic back then. There was one play when he had an in game 360 dunk, I believe. I'm wondering if he put on too much weight during college? Cause he definitely didn't seem to have great hops or quickness at UNC.
He just has an old man's game. He can dunk. He needs to get better at his off-ball slashing to the rim, but he can get up.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LpK8nw8PSM
If you youtube his college dunks, nothing is jaw dropping, but I would say he is a better athlete than Hayward judging by his dunks.
Hantlers
Well-Known Member
Yeah the dude can jump alright, but his first step and lateral quickness are terrible. Those are things that are very influential towards creating offense, plus his lack of a handle will hold him back. I think he definitely has potential to do well, but he needs to put a lot of work in.
Hantlers
Well-Known Member
I think it all depends on the situation he's put in. If he gets in with a coach that lets him do whatever, he's going to try to do too much by himself and really struggle. He needs to go to a place with good leadership set up so he can learn from that IMO.
I still think his shot is streaky, but he will improve it. I'd like to see him improve at driving/finishing with his left hand, but I still think his first step is absolutely killer. If he can consistently hit a mid-range shot after that first step, that would be an unstoppable move. Needs to improve his defense, and while his handle is very good, I'd like to see further improvement with his ability to find other players. In the end, I think he's at least 2 years away from being an impact player.
Hantlers
Well-Known Member
The difference is that Hayward has much better instincts, he can play defense, he plays tough, he can handle the ball and create offense...Barnes may be a better overall athlete, but he's not a better player.
Well, I wasn't trying to compare him to Hayward the player, just Hayward the athlete. Hayward obviously has a better handle, so that allows him to get to the rim.
Luol Deng doesn't have a first step at all either though, and he has still managed to be a good scorer in the league. Barnes is not going to really create his own offense out of nothing, but I think within an offense he can be a dangerous weapon.