Veteran NBA forward Matt Barnes appears set to call it a career. While it’s not quite an official announcement, Barnes published an Instagram post today in which he reminisced about his “cool 15-year run” in the NBA and indicated that he’s ready to move on to the next chapter in his life.
“You telling me I can dress like this for business meetings & make more money off the court than I made ON??” Barnes wrote. “And spend more time with my kids??!!”
Barnes, 37, entered the NBA as a second-round pick in 2002. After failing to earn a roster spot in his first professional season, Barnes joined the Clippers in 2003/04, then bounced to the Kings, Knicks, and Sixers over the next few years before breaking out for the Warriors in 2006/07.
Barnes’ time in the NBA, which also included stints with the Suns, Magic, Lakers, and Grizzlies, amounted to 929 regular season games, plus another 95 postseason contests. After averaging 8.2 PPG and 4.6 RPG over the course of his career, Barnes went out on top in 2017 — he joined the Warriors down the stretch and earned the first NBA championship of his career this past spring. Assuming Barnes doesn’t come out of retirement at some point, a cameo in Game 2 of this year’s Finals will go down as his last NBA appearance.
Although it’s not clear what the next stage of Barnes’ life holds, today’s Instagram post – which references “business meetings” and includes the hashtag #BillionaireBy50 – suggests that he’ll focus on business interests rather than looking to become an NBA coach, executive, or analyst.
Happy Retirement Matt Barnes! Maybe you and Derek Fisher can go coach together now.
I was always a fan of this guy, I liked how he played with a fire and passion and that’s why Kobe made it a point to make sure the Lakers brought him on board so he could play with him instead of against him. He was a little crazy at times but I loved it lol I hope the guy nothing but the best and wish him a happy retirement
Good. Nobody likes you
I liked him
Me too. Sorry to see him go.
I liked him.
I also liked him
Not enough tats
Even his wife didn’t like him enough.
Rihanna didn’t either
I liked him.