OAKLAND – Returning to Oracle Arena for the first time as a member of the Dallas Mavericks, former Warriors forward Harrison Barnes voiced not a whisper of nostalgia.
Asked if he anticipated a nice ovation from the crowd that watched him for four seasons, one of which ended with an NBA championship, Barnes didn’t hesitate.
“No,” he said, with a slight shrug.
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SIGN UP HERE Barnes will at least be on the court for his return to Oakland. Andrew Bogut, the other former Warriors now playing for Dallas, will rest after a 29-minute stint against the Lakers on Tuesday night in Los Angeles.
Barnes’ cool response regarding his reception almost certainly was less about his affinity for Oakland – he truly enjoyed his time in the area – and more about how his Warriors chapter concluded.
He missed 27 of his last 32 shots, which happened to come in Games 5, 6 and 7 of the NBA Finals in which the Warriors lost.
Both Barnes and former Warriors center Andrew Bogut, also with Dallas, can expect warm greetings from the crowd at Oracle. Their contributions to the first Warriors championship team in 40 years are certain to be recognized by both fans and the organization.
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As they did for former Warriors Marreese Speights (Clippers) and Festus Ezeli (Trail Blazers) upon their initial return to Oracle, the Warriors during the first timeout of the game will show a video tribute as a sign of appreciation for Barnes and Bogut.