Spurs Riding High, But Harrison Barnes’ Slump Raises Real Questions at Power Forward
The San Antonio Spurs have been one of the league’s more intriguing teams this season-young, talented, and showing flashes of something special. But even as the team continues to find its rhythm, there’s a growing concern that’s hard to ignore: Harrison Barnes, one of their most reliable veterans, has hit a wall lately.
Over his last five games, Barnes has struggled mightily from beyond the arc, shooting just 3-for-22 from three-point range and averaging only 7.4 points per game. For a player known for his consistency and poise, that’s a noticeable dip-and it couldn’t have come at a worse time. The Spurs were in the thick of the NBA Cup race, and while it’s unfair to pin their missed opportunity solely on Barnes’ shooting woes, his cold streak certainly didn’t help.
But this isn’t just about a few off nights. Barnes will turn 34 this summer, and while he hasn’t looked like a player who's fallen off a cliff, the recent slump does raise a fair question: How much longer can the Spurs count on him as their go-to option at the four?
Depth at the Four Is a Growing Concern
Even with Barnes’ track record-durability, leadership, and a career of dependable shooting-the Spurs have to be thinking about what's next. Behind him, the depth chart gets murky.
Jeremy Sochan, once viewed as a key piece of the future, has essentially fallen out of the rotation. That’s a tough blow for a team that had hoped he’d be a long-term answer at power forward.
Without Sochan in the picture and Barnes potentially nearing the twilight of his peak years, San Antonio is walking a fine line. They’re competitive now, but they can’t afford to be caught flat-footed if Barnes’ decline becomes more than just a temporary dip.
What’s Next for Barnes and the Spurs?
There’s a reasonable path forward here. The Spurs are reportedly considering bringing Barnes back on a two-year, $36 million partially guaranteed deal-essentially a continuation of his current salary structure. That kind of contract gives the team flexibility: they keep a veteran presence without locking themselves into a long-term commitment if his performance slips.
And to be clear, Barnes has earned that kind of trust. Over the past four seasons, he’s been a model of durability and professionalism, and his shooting has remained solid overall.
If anyone has the makeup to age gracefully in today’s NBA, it’s him. But that doesn’t mean the Spurs can afford to rest easy.
Internal Options: Kornet and Bryant
If Barnes does start to fade, San Antonio has a couple of in-house options they could turn to. Luke Kornet has quietly been one of the more effective role players on the roster this season.
Whether he’s backing up Victor Wembanyama, playing alongside him, or filling in as a spot starter, Kornet has delivered. His size, feel for the game, and ability to space the floor make him a potential fit as a short-term starter at the four-especially in a role similar to what Tiago Splitter once did for the Spurs: start each half, play smart, and let the stars carry the load.
Then there’s Carter Bryant. He’s not ready yet, but the tools are there.
He’s got the length, the defensive instincts, and the shooting potential to eventually become a modern stretch-four. The Spurs have been patient with him, and while it’s too early to project him as a starter, he’s firmly on the radar as a developmental piece.
Time to Plan Ahead
The truth is, the Spurs were banking on Sochan to be the long-term solution at power forward. That hasn’t materialized-at least not yet. And while Barnes has been a steadying force, the recent slump is a reminder that time waits for no one in the NBA.
San Antonio doesn’t need to panic, but they do need to prepare. Whether it’s through the draft, free agency, or internal development, the Spurs have to shore up the four. Because if Barnes can’t give them two more strong seasons-and that’s a big “if”-they’ll need to get creative.
Right now, they’re still in a good place. But the margin for error is shrinking.
The Spurs have a generational talent in Wembanyama, a budding core, and a front office that’s proven it knows how to build. But if they want to take that next step, they’ll need to solve the power forward puzzle sooner rather than later.