YFZblu wrote:lilfishi22 wrote:Matt Barnes s a decent player who does a lot of the dirty work and can give you a little here and a little there. I don't think he's overrated as a player (he isn't getting paid that much) but I do think him signing to the Lakers is overrated and overstated. He will help them but I don't see what the big deal is. Barnes is a guy who comes in and tries to do too much at times and when he's on, he's a heck of a player but when he's off, he's just a glorified hustle/energy guy.
You're right, he's not really 'rated', which is why it would be hard for him to be overrated. The only reason I think he's overrated is because really good teams are CONSTANTLY persuing him, which is weird IMO....Those same teams never have a problem with letting him go after one year. I'll never forget 2009, when the Suns played the Jazz; Phoenix playoff hopes hinged on this one game, and Matt Barnes sealed the loss by passing the ball to an OUT OF BOUNDS Grant Hill. Obviously the season doesn't come down to one game, but that was a critical time for us, and Barnes flat out blew it.
Teams want him, especially the good teams, because those teams needs players who do the dirty work but I think the biggest reason is because he could be had for cheap. Most of those good teams don't have the cap space to make a big signing which means Barnes is a great production per dollar player. Obviously his enforcer qualities on (and off) the court is questionable but I think he does give his team toughness and someone who gets under the skin of opposing teams players. I do find it interesting though that Lakers went after Barnes, Artest and Bell, all guys Kobe have had run-ins with in the past but I guess it's better to have those guys on your side than not.
