For the first time in a decade, Harrison Barnes found himself in unfamiliar territory-coming off the bench. After 350 consecutive starts, the veteran forward was moved to a reserve role by Spurs interim head coach Mitch Johnson ahead of their matchup with the Charlotte Hornets. It's a move that signals more than just a lineup tweak-it may be the beginning of the end for Barnes in San Antonio.
Let’s be clear: this wasn’t a rash decision. Barnes’ play has been trending downward for a while now.
Once known for his reliability-earning the nickname “Mr. 100%” for his steady production and knockdown shooting-Barnes has struggled to find that same rhythm this season. The three-point shot, once a staple of his game, has gone cold.
And in today’s NBA, especially on a young, developing roster like the Spurs', that kind of regression stands out.
Enter Julian Champagnie, who’s now slotted into the starting lineup. Champagnie brings more energy on both ends of the floor, and his fit alongside the Spurs’ core-especially Victor Wembanyama-is simply more aligned with where this team is headed. Barring a trade or injury, it looks like this change could stick.
Barnes, meanwhile, is likely staring at a reduced role going forward. And that might not be the worst thing-for him or for the team.
At this point in his career, limiting his minutes to around 20 per game could help preserve his body and perhaps allow him to be more effective in shorter bursts. Playing against second units might also give him a chance to rediscover some of that offensive efficiency that’s been missing.
But if this new role doesn’t spark a turnaround, the writing may already be on the wall. Barnes is on an expiring $19 million contract-an asset that could be valuable at the trade deadline.
Whether it’s to match salary in a bigger deal or to help a contender add veteran depth, the Spurs have options. And if no deal materializes, they could simply let him walk in free agency this summer.
There’s also the possibility that San Antonio looks to upgrade the power forward spot entirely. A player like Bobby Portis Jr., for example, could offer more consistent production and a better long-term fit. Even if the Spurs don’t make a splashy move, they’ve got enough depth-Luke Kornet among them-to patch together minutes at the four without leaning heavily on Barnes.
This isn’t about disrespecting a veteran; it’s about a team trying to solve a problem. Credit to Johnson for making a tough call.
Benching Barnes, a respected presence in the locker room, isn’t easy. But it shows a willingness to prioritize performance and development over sentiment.
What happens next is largely in Barnes’ hands. If he can adjust to the new role, bring steady contributions off the bench, and shoot the ball more consistently, he could still carve out a meaningful place in the rotation. But if the slide continues, the Spurs may be forced to move on.
For now, the message is clear: the Spurs are evolving, and Barnes has to prove he can evolve with them.