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Sacramento Kings: Harrison Barnes Needs The All-Star Break

By Anthony Cardenas

SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 15: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on January 15, 2020 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 15: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on January 15, 2020 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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There is no Sacramento Kings player that needs the All-Star break more than Harrison Barnes, who has played more hoops than probably anyone in the 9 months.

The Sacramento Kings are undoubtedly weary. It has been a long, tumultuous season, both mentally and physically, and there are still 29 games left to be played. The All-Star break will be much needed for players to step away from the game, clear their heads, and recharge their batteries. Though it is not always evident in his on-court performance, no one needs a few days off more than Harrison Barnes.

Barnes is one of just four Kings players that has played in all 54 games this season, and the only one who has started every contest. He averages the most minutes on the team, by a wide margin. Buddy Hield is second on the team with 33.5 minutes per game, with Barnes averaging almost a minute and a half more per game with 34.8. This alone warrants a short break, until you factor in the hectic summer Barnes had just before the season started.

Barnes’ Crazy Summer

In late April, two weeks after the conclusion of the 2019-19 season, Barnes flew to India to help promote the growth of basketball and the upcoming 2019 India Games. He handled his contract situation upon his return, before beginning training camp with Team USA for the FIBA World Cup.

The tournament took place in Beijing, but Team USA played a handful of exhibition games in Australia first. After spending roughly three weeks away from home, Barnes enjoyed just a handful of days of freedom before he reported to Sacramento Kings training camp.

Oh, and the Kings also flew to India for two preseason games in early October.

Add to all of these miles the fact that the Kings will travel the third-most miles of any NBA team this season, and there might not be a player more gassed than Mr. Barnes. (To be fair, Donovan Mitchell also played for Team USA, has only missed one game so far, and plays for the team that ranks #1 in miles traveled this season. And he’ll have to play in the All-Star game.)

When all is said and done, Barnes will have traveled nearly 105,000 miles in under one calendar year. That is enough to circle the Earth 4.2 times.

Closing Thoughts

While Barnes’ scoring and shooting numbers are wildly inconsistent lately, he is not yet showing signs of wearing down physically. In the two games against the Spurs and Bucks over the weekend, he combined to score 48 points on 17 of 26 from the field.

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Hopefully, the time is well spent for the veteran Barnes. With the status of Richaun Holmes and Marvin Bagley in question for the remainder of the season, the Kings could be forced to play a great deal of small-ball, putting Barnes in a position to bang down low with power forwards and centers. His stamina will certainly be something to monitor down the stretch.

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