Barnes gracefully proves Kings contract worth in win over Jazz originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Harrison Barnes showcased his worth in the Sacramento Kings’ season-opening win against the Utah Jazz, silencing his critics with an exceptional performance.
The last time Barnes took the court was in Game 7 of the playoffs against the Golden State Warriors. However, his performance in that game left much to be desired, with only four points in 13 minutes and a poor shooting percentage. The Kings ultimately lost the series, and Barnes’ underwhelming performance was fresh in fans’ minds as he entered free agency.
The Kings had a choice to make: bring back Barnes, a reliable and respected player, or make a big offseason move for a star player. Ultimately, they decided to re-sign Barnes to a three-year, $54 million contract.
Many questioned the decision, deeming it an overpay for a 31-year-old player. However, as other free agent contracts were announced, Barnes’ deal appeared more reasonable.
Despite the doubts surrounding him, Barnes showed why he deserved his contract during the Kings’ season-opener. Scoring 27 points in the first half alone, including a flawless shooting performance, he proved his value on the court.
Harrison Barnes had a combined 32 points in the final four games of the Kings’ playoff series against the Warriors last season.
He has 27 points (10-11 FG, 5-5 3PT) in the first half of the 2023-24 season opener.
— Tristi Rodriguez (@tristi_r14) October 26, 2023
He finished the game with 33 points, leaving critics in awe of his performance.
Kings point guard De’Aaron Fox praised Barnes’ abilities, stating that he had seen him have similar scoring outbursts before. Barnes’ composed demeanor and his ability to have big games make the Kings a formidable opponent.
Barnes is known for his poise and even temperament, both on and off the court. Regardless of his performance, his character remains unmatched.
