14 NBA seasons, but finally, @Matt_Barnes22 gets his ? pic.twitter.com/alswcmc41s
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) November 28, 2017
OAKLAND–Matt Barnes played on nine different NBA teams during his 14-season career, and in the summer of 2017, his dream came true.
The Bay Area native wanted a ring, and when the Golden State Warriors came calling last season, Barnes answered.
After beginning the 2016-2017 season with the Sacramento Kings, Barnes signed as a free agent with the Warriors to provide depth and wound up playing in 20 games, starting five, during Kevin Durant’s extended absence.
Matt Barnes is getting his first NBA ring tonight on the 10th anniversary of his mother's death pic.twitter.com/eptDASIYel
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) November 28, 2017
On Monday evening, Barnes was back at Oracle Arena for the final installment of his dream to be realized, as Warriors’ forward Draymond Green presented Barnes with his 2017 NBA Championship ring. During Barnes’ ceremony, Green joked that everyone has painted a picture that Barnes is one of the worst guys around, but called him “one of the best teammates I’ve ever had.”
Barnes brought his twin sons to midcourt on Monday night, and they also received versions of the Warriors’ 2017 Championship rings.
Barnes spent parts of three seasons with the Warriors, helping Golden State’s “We Believe” team end a long playoff drought in 2008 before finishing off his career on top with the Warriors last year.