NBA Draft 2012: Harrison Barnes Needs Pairing with Dynamic Guards to Thrive

Harrison Barnes played dynamic basketball next to Kendall Marshall as a member of the North Carolina Tar Heels, but Barnes struggled mightily when he was not coupled with Marshall's absurd passing ability.

Barnes is an excellent spot-up shooter with limited ball-handling ability.

This creates a problem. If Barnes does not have a point guard capable of opening up the defense, he struggles to create his own shot.

Barnes will need a complimentary guards to maximize his significant NBA potential. These landing spots would provide Barnes with the support he needs.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Barnes would be a godsend to 2012 Rookie of the Year Kyrie Irving. The Cavaliers desperately need an open-court threat and a shooter to stretch defenses.

Barnes can fill both of those needs with Irving's help.

Irving is a premier penetrator with elite quickness. He doesn't have Marshall's vision but he can create wide-open looks because of the attention his own scoring ability commands.

Barnes would fit perfectly on Irving's wing, and he would benefit greatly from Irving's penetrate and kick game.

Barnes' size and skill set would be a perfect fit for Cleveland. Their lottery pick could be used to snag his services.

Sacramento Kings

The Kings are high on talent but low on maturity. Barnes would bring a sound state of mind and an immediate boost on the wing to Sacramento.

Imagine Tyreke Evans, Marcus Thornton and Isaiah Thomas with Barnes by their side. None are the facilitator that Marshall is, but their open-court ability would create many open shots.

Barnes' maturity would be a blessing for a Kings' roster boasting the likes of Evans and DeMarcus Cousins. Barnes would provide immediate leadership to a young team.

The Kings have a lot of potential on their current roster, and their lottery pick will add another important piece to their young nucleus.

Barnes athleticism and shooting ability would be a welcome addition to the Kings' array of slashers.

Golden State Warriors

Imagine the shooting ability of a Warrior team featuring Klay Thompson, Stephen Curry and Harrison Barnes. That would be a lethal combination.

Barnes would fit well with Curry, who is a shoot-first lead guard with rapidly-developing passing skills. He is not a selfish point guard but just happens to be one of the best pure shooters in the NBA.

Barnes would be a very nice pickup for Golden State. The team shipped Monta Ellis to Milwaukee this offseason and could use another knockdown shooter.

They have Andrew Bogut at center, Curry at point and Thompson at two-guard, but lack a go-to wing player. Dorell Wright, Dominic McGuire and an aging Richard Jefferson will not do the trick.

Barnes needs a dynamic point guard to thrive at the next level, and Curry is just that.