Harrison Barnes' Spurs future hangs in the balance but the best path is obvious

On the heels of a career year, Harrison Barnes turned in an underwhelming campaign this season. The 14-year veteran lost his starting position to Julian Champagnie, and his minutes dwindled until he was getting fewer than 10 a night. When the postseason rolled around, Mitch Johnson didn't seem to trust him to increase his workload, even when stability was what the team needed in the moment.

Vets are great for leadership, but ones who begin the year in the starting lineup are also expected to contribute on the floor. Barnes was borderline unplayable for the majority of the playoff run. That statement is based directly on how the coach used (or didn't use) him. And if that's how he feels, it's clear that Barnes shouldn't return to San Antonio for a third season.

If John Collins can be had in free agency, the Spurs should take the opportunity to get younger and more athletic at that spot.

Spurs must thank Harrison Barnes and move on

HB finished the season shooting 39% from three, but it sure didn't feel like it. His contributions mostly felt inconsequential because they were so far and few between. Other players had stepped up, giving the team more than just the occasional bucket from the perimeter. For the Spurs to reach their full potential, they'll need room for more players who can do that.

It's easy to see why Julian Champagnie got the nod over Barnes. Juju rebounds, defends, and even finished in the paint better than the ex-Warriors forward. The St. John's product is just younger and quicker. It would have been great to send HB out with a championship, but unfortunately, those weren't the cards San Antonio was dealt.

But a breakup doesn't mean that the Spurs aren't grateful for what Mr. 100% brought to the table. His leadership was exactly what the young guys needed at the time. I just don't think they need an overabundance of it any longer. The Silver and Black need guys they can rely on when the going gets tough.

After a heartbreaking loss in the NBA Finals, this team has all the experience they need. Not to mention, Luke Kornet is still there. De'Aaron Fox is still there. Keldon Johnson will be in his eighth season. And they can add John Collins at what would likely be a similar number to what Barnes could re-sign for, but he'll provide more pop and production at 28 years old.

At the end of the day, Coach Johnson's refusal to play him against the Knicks was as damning as you could get for someone who began the year as a starter. Why string this thing along? The Spurs should just move on and bring in someone else to add depth to the forward position.

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