Harrison Barnes is the first Kings player listed in ESPN’s Top 100 NBA Players
Oct 10, 2023, 11:28 AM
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 24: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns gets called for a transition take foul on Harrison Barnes #40 of the Sacramento Kings during the third quarter at Golden 1 Center on March 24, 2023 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 License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
We’re 14 days away until the 2023-24 NBA season tips off. And as we near opening day, ESPN has released the first half of its Top 100 NBA Players rankings. And despite all their success last season, only one Sacramento Kings player shows up between 100 – 51.
Harrison Barnes comes in at 96 on ESPN’s list, sandwiched between new Mavericks forward Grant Williams at 97 and Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams at 95.
ESPN ranked their top 100 players with the help of 150 reporters, editors, producers, and analysts. Last year, the veteran Kings’ forward ranked 74th on ESPN’s list.
Kendra Andrews posed a question about Barnes’s usage though.
What will his role be this season? Barnes signed a three-year, $54 million extension over the summer, and on a younger team looking to continue its rise, he is a trusted veteran voice for reigning Coach of the Year Mike Brown. However, Barnes’ minutes declined last year, and the addition of EuroLeague MVP Sasha Vezenkov could impact the way Sacramento uses Barnes in 2023-24.
Harrison Barnes arrived in Sacramento in February of 2019 in a trade with the Mavericks. Since his arrival, the 31-year-old forward has averaged 15.4 points, 2.3 assists, and 5.3 rebounds.
It’s expected De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis will rank inside the Top 50. Both players last year represented the Kings in the All-Star Game and both were named All-NBA Third Team. Fox also won the inaugural Kia NBA Clutch Player of the Year award last season.
But, will any more Kings players show up on the list? Last season, Keegan Murray set the new single-season rookie record for three-pointers made. He also was named to the All-NBA Rookie First Team.
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