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Par Pierre-Andréa Fraile | Journaliste sportif
Harrison Barnes has already built up an impressive NBA resume, and his role with the Spurs is that of a veteran. As such, he was keen to warn his team-mates and give them the recipe for reaching the playoffs next year.
Absent from the postseason for the sixth year in a row, they were however able to get behind some extenuating circumstances this time around. The Spurs were deprived of De’Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama for part of the season, which they ended in 13th place in the Western Conference. Enough to escape criticism, even if Harrison Barnes won’t tolerate such a failure next year.
Harrison Barnes confronts the young Spurs with their responsibilities
At 32, Barnes is keen to get back to the playoffs, and if possible as early as next season with the Spurs. He’s given his team-mates a few tips on how to achieve this goal. Hector Ledesma of ClutchPoints reports:
Harrison Barnes: The key for us is going to be to set our standards. Of course, there are bound to be periods of uncertainty during matches, but I think we have to live up to a certain standard in our quality of play and our consistency.
When we look back over the season, we can say that in certain matches or series of matches, we didn’t play up to our level. It could be down to our preparation, our execution of the game plan or a lack of attention to detail. It doesn’t matter (…) Next year, we’re going to have to play a certain number of matches to match our standards. That’s what we’re going to have to do to make the playoffs.
While he now expects his team to achieve a certain level of consistency, the veteran winger also wants to see his team-mates keep busy this summer. In his opinion, the franchise’s success will depend on their efforts over the coming weeks:
Harrison Barnes: The most important thing for a team wishing to reach the next level is the level of commitment.
The guys have to show how much they want to be in the playoffs. They need to do the right things in the off-season and make the right preparations to get there. A lot of people think that by October they’ll be ready. But progress is being made now, even if people won’t see it until October. That’s why this summer is so important for us to improve.
Barnes is understandably demanding of his young acolytes. After all, he is the only San Antonio player to have been crowned champion in his career. A feat he believes he can repeat, given the talented supporting cast at his disposal in Texas:
Harrison Barnes: The future is bright. This young group is one of the most talented I’ve ever been part of, and I say that having been part of some pretty good teams.
