Why the Spurs Need to Rethink Harrison Barnes’ Role Heading Into the Playoff Push
Harrison Barnes is no stranger to the grind of an NBA season. He’s a veteran, a pro’s pro, and someone who’s logged a lot of meaningful minutes over the course of his 14-year career. But as the San Antonio Spurs push toward the postseason, it’s becoming increasingly clear: the version of Barnes we’re seeing this year isn’t the same one who arrived in San Antonio with a hot hand and a reliable three-point stroke.
Back in his first season with the Spurs, Barnes was lights-out from deep-knocking down 43.3% of his threes on 4.4 attempts per game. That kind of efficiency made him a valuable floor spacer and a trusted piece in the rotation.
But that version of Barnes feels like a distant memory right now. This season, the production just hasn’t been there.
He’s struggled to find rhythm offensively, even when left wide open, and his impact on both ends of the floor has noticeably dipped.
Now, to be fair, this isn’t entirely unexpected. Barnes is 33 years old, logging close to 28 minutes per game, and hasn’t missed a game in over three seasons.
That kind of durability is impressive on paper, but it might be working against him at this stage in his career. Older players typically need more recovery time, and the Spurs may be asking too much of him on a nightly basis.
The Spurs Need to Lighten the Load
San Antonio isn’t running offense through Barnes-and they shouldn’t be. That’s not his game anymore.
But even as a complementary piece, his current minutes load feels heavy, especially when his production isn’t matching the demand. The Spurs have been gradually shifting minutes toward younger, more energetic options like Julian Champagnie and Luke Kornet, and that trend needs to continue.
Champagnie, in particular, brings a different dynamic. He’s shown flashes as a versatile wing who can defend, rebound, and knock down shots. Starting him in place of Barnes could give the Spurs a more athletic, engaged look from the jump, while also preserving Barnes’ legs for later in games-or later in the season.
A Bench Role Could Be the Right Move
Let’s be clear: this isn’t about throwing Barnes under the bus. It’s about putting him in a position to succeed.
Coming off the bench against second units could help him rediscover some of that offensive rhythm. It’s a role adjustment, not a demotion.
And if the Spurs manage it right, it could extend his usefulness into the postseason.
Barnes has only made the playoffs once since leaving Golden State, and his postseason track record isn’t exactly stellar. But in a reduced role, with fresher legs and less pressure, maybe he can still make an impact.
The key is not waiting too long to make the shift. The Spurs have a chance to be proactive here-manage his minutes now, and you might avoid a bigger problem when the games start to really matter.
Looking Ahead
The Spurs are building something, and they’re doing it with a mix of savvy veterans and promising young talent. Barnes still has value in that equation, but it’s time to recalibrate how he’s used. Limiting his minutes, sliding him into a bench role, and leaning more on younger wings could pay dividends-not just in the regular season, but when the lights get brighter in the playoffs.
The best-case scenario? Barnes finds a groove in a new role and becomes a key contributor off the bench.
The worst case? He doesn’t, but the Spurs are already covered thanks to their growing depth.
Either way, it’s a move San Antonio needs to make sooner rather than later.