Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Clippers are obviously due for a lot of changes considering their early exit from the NBA Playoffs. Plenty of decisions have to be made on how to make this a better team.
One move the Clippers need to make is putting Matt Barnes as a starter. He’s too good to be sitting on a bench.
Last season, in 80 regular-season games, the Clippers started Barnes in only four games. He averaged 25.7 minutes per game along with 10.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists. He shot 46.2 percent from the floor, 34.2 percent in three-pointers and 74.4 percent in free throws.
Barnes had that incredible Game 6 against the Memphis Grizzlies in which he played 37 minutes and was 11-of-14 from the floor, 6-of-7 in three-pointers and had 10 rebounds. One game doesn’t make a superstar, but it did show what Barnes can do for a team with more playing time and a larger role. Now’s the time to see how he’ll do as a starter.
He deserves the chance to start for the Clippers and all indications are that he’ll do a consistently good job. He averaged 11.8 points and 5.0 rebounds in the playoffs. But if his minutes grow, Barnes is going to get the job done for the Clippers. He’s got the confidence and LA should award him, as a result.
The Clippers did not have a lineup good enough to beat Memphis. Barnes nearly got the job done with his great effort. He needs to get more of a chance to show his stuff.
