Matt Barnes Looking Forward

Steffi Graf a famous German Tennis player once said “I never look back, I look forward”…

The summer of 2007, Matt Barnes was caught in the cross roads. He wanted so much to play back for the Golden State Warriors but he wasn’t sure if he had done enough for them to sign him back. His 7 three-point field goals tied the franchise record a year ago but quickly erased by fellow teammate Jason Richardson topping him with 8 threes. He thinks about playing in the NFL being an All-American Wide receiver in high school but on August 6 on that same year Barnes signed a one year deal with the Warriors. He knew he can’t compete with superstar players but he knew one thing… He plays hard nose defense.

After spending a year in Orlando he opted out on his contract and the Lakers immediately hired Barnes out. He was offered lesser money because of luxury tax but Kobe persuaded Barnes to join him.
After almost getting undrafted and eventually played in the NBDL and playing with 7 NBA teams in an 8 year career span, Matt Barnes felt he was needed.
Barnes was always the designated player to guard Kobe and although he wasn’t successful every time but it was enough to get Kobe’s attention and eventually his respect.
After 8 years of chasing contracts Barnes will be chasing championships this time with the defending champion Lakers. Kobe needs all the help he can get and Barnes presented a different toughness, the toughness they needed to battle against the Miami trio or the ageless Boston big three.

2007 could have been the most crucial part on Barnes basketball career and it must have to do with Barnes of being an All-American wide receiver… “He knows there are bigger things to happen as you go forward.”….never looking back.