What If The Atlanta Hawks Had Signed Harrison Barnes?

Jan 7, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes (40) looks to pass against Atlanta Hawks forward Kent Bazemore (24) in the game at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes (40) looks to pass against Atlanta Hawks forward Kent Bazemore (24) in the game at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 1, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes (40) passes out of the defense of Atlanta Hawks forward Thabo Sefolosha (25) and forward Kent Bazemore (24) in the fourth quarter of their game at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 100 – 95. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes (40) passes out of the defense of Atlanta Hawks forward Thabo Sefolosha (25) and forward Kent Bazemore (24) in the fourth quarter of their game at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 100 – 95. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Should They Have Signed Barnes?

Barnes would have given Atlanta the size and height that would be more sufficient for the small forward position. Lately, Budenholzer has started Bazemore and Tim Hardaway Jr. together. So, what you’re doing is starting two shooting guards side by side.

That’s what Bazemore is, he is a shooting guard. That’s the only thing that I have against Bazemore, or his signing. It’s related to the old Al Horford argument, he is a power forward who is playing out of position. Do you remember that? Was that ever the most annoying thing to debate over? If you want to overpay him, that’s fine. But at least use him correctly.

There are lots of players that can play multiple positions. They are versatile enough to be utilized in any number of ways. I used to use Anthony Mason on the popular video game NBA 2K, all the time, at point guard. It would frustrate my opponent so badly, because I had created a mismatch. They knew that I could dominate by posting up whoever their point guard was.

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Bazemore is not one of those players. . That’s why Harrison Barnes would’ve been a much better fit and value for the Hawks.