Harrison Barnes has been named the NBA’s Western Convention Participant of the Week, the league introduced. Giannis Antetokounmpo obtained the excellence within the East.
Barnes acquired the nod after averaging 22.3 factors and eight.7 rebounds whereas taking pictures over 60 p.c from the sector on the Spurs’ three wins this previous week. The veteran logged a double-double throughout that span and dedicated no turnovers.
Barnes, now in his thirteenth season as a professional, has set an NBA document for the newest right into a profession a participant has received a Participant of the Week award for the primary time and is the primary Spur to get that award since DeMar DeRozan in 2020, per the workforce’s press launch.
It’s secure to say nobody anticipated Barnes to carry out at this stage in San Antonio. The previous lottery decide had a down yr in Sacramento in 2023, which prompted the Kings to connect an unprotected 2031 first-round decide swap to entice the Spurs to soak up his contract this previous offseason. Barnes wasn’t posting gaudy numbers earlier within the season however introduced taking pictures and veteran management to a younger squad earlier than having a improbable week that helped the Silver and Black win three straight video games.
The 32-year-old ahead has received a championship and an Olympic gold medal, so this distinction pales as compared, nevertheless it’s a deserved honor for a consummate skilled who waived his commerce kicker to permit the Spurs to maintain Julian Champagnie on the roster and took on the problem to assist a squad that didn’t come into the season with excessive expectations because of youth and inexperience. He accepted his position and has been rewarded for it with workforce success and, now, particular person accolades.
Barnes is averaging 11.5 factors and 4.7 rebounds whereas taking pictures 43.9 p.c from past the arc this season and has began each recreation. He’s underneath contract for another yr with the Spurs.
