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| Barnes has the ideal NBA physique. |
6-8 223 Ames H.S./Ames, IA (5/30/1992)
Breakdown: Barnes showed improvements in FG% (.423 to .440), 3P% (.344 to .358), and PPG (15.7 to 17.1) from his freshman to sophomore years. That said, it doesn't seem he has had any marked improvements in his draft status by staying the extra year (Currently ranked #7 overall prospect by draftexpress.com after being ranked as low as #11 last year).
NBA Skill Set: Barnes does have the ideal frame for an NBA small forward at 6-8 and with a wingspan of 6-11, and a well-chiseled 223 pounds. He doesn't jump out of the gym like other top SF prospects so his role coming out will probably be as a defender first. Barnes was mainly a catch-and-shoot/ pull-up jumper guy at UNC and will need to work on being able to get to the basket more and take advantage of his size to get to the free throw line. He also needs to work on being a better passer/facilitator in the framework of an offense as he won't be a primary option right away when he gets to the league.
NBA player could-be-like: Paul Pierce. Barnes isn't going to ever 'wow' anyone with his athleticism but Pierce never really did either and is a perennial NBA All-Star.
