Fox and Barnes Unimpressive in Team USA Victory

Team USA played their first exhibition game on Friday, and the two Sacramento Kings on the roster played sparingly and unimpressively.

The victory went to the Americans on Friday night as they played host to Marc Gasol and the Spanish National Team in Anaheim. Team USA won 90-81, a low margin given their 15-point lead with a minute left.

A projected starter by most, Kings point guard De’Aaron Fox received just six minutes of playing time. He shot the ball twice, making one and finishing with two points. His minutes came in the first half, when he subbed in for Kemba Walker with 4:11 left in the opening quarter. He also dished out an assist.

The other King, Harrison Barnes, was in the starting lineup. He went just 1-for-3 from the field, scoring two points to go along with three rebounds and an assist. He committed two fouls in nearly 14 minutes of playing time. He played the least minutes of any starter, and the least of any player in coach Gregg Popovich’s 9-man rotation. He finished with a +/- of -9, the worst of any player.

One could argue that the lack of playing time for De’Aaron Fox is a blessing in disguise. Team USA members benefit from the experience in a multitude of ways. Not only do they gain experience and knowledge from playing with a fresh set of new teammates, but they are also under the tutelage of some of the best coaches that the United States has to offer.

Getting just six minutes of run in an exhibition game before a 15-hour flight to Australia isn’t exactly a bad thing, especially when you are the face of a franchise whose season would be in jeopardy should you suffer a freak injury. It is likely that Popovich is managing his players minutes to keep them fresh for the tournament.

As for Barnes, his play still has plenty of time to improve. Team USA is full of wing players, so it is important that he establishes his place in the rotation.

Team USA’s next exhibition game is Thursday in Australia against the host nation.