HB the Black Falcon took home Olympic Gold in 2016.
As Stephen Curry makes his long overdue first appearance as a player on Team USA basketball in the 2024 Olympics in Paris, let’s take a look back at other players who played on the Olympic stage after spending time in Golden State.
Guys like Harrison Barnes aka the Black Falcon, who in the 2016 Rio Olympics averaged 7.8 minutes per game and 4.3 PPG, 46% FG%, 33% 3PT, 1.8 REB, 0.8 AST.
In 2016 Harrison Barnes made a significant leap in his basketball career, transitioning from the Golden State Warriors to the Dallas Mavericks after an NBA Finals performance that left Dub Nation very disappointed. That may have led to this article in The Cauldron entitled: “Is Harrison Barnes the Worst Pro Basketball Olympian of All Time?”. This disrespect!
That summer, he represented the U.S. Men’s Basketball Team at the Rio Olympics, adding an international chapter to his growing career.
After an eventful run with the Golden State Warriors, including an NBA championship in 2015 and a record-setting 73-win season in 2016, Harrison Barnes embarked on a new journey by signing with the Dallas Mavericks as a free agent. As Barnes transitioned to a more prominent role in Dallas, he also took on the challenge of representing the U.S. Men’s Basketball Team:
“For me, it was huge. The ability to learn from those guys—all of them have been franchise players. How they prepare, how they approach the game, how they attack. That was big for me because I was coming into the Mavericks with such a larger role than anything I’d done before in the past. That was big for me, just to be around those guys and learn as much as I can.”
In Rio, Barnes played a supporting role on a star-studded U.S. roster. It included his former teammates Draymond Green and Klay Thompson, and also the guy who replaced him on the Dubs: Kevin Durant.
Known for his versatility, Barnes provided depth and stability, fitting seamlessly into various lineups. His ability to play both forward positions allowed Team USA to maintain flexibility in their rotations. While he didn’t see extensive minutes, his contributions were marked by solid defense, smart shot selection, and a willingness to do the little things that don’t always show up in the box score.
Barnes’ experience with the Warriors’ system under Steve Kerr, which emphasized ball movement and team play, translated well to the international game. On a team filled with superstars, Barnes’ unselfish play and focus on team success were valuable assets. His ability to stay ready and contribute when called upon, regardless of his role, demonstrated his professionalism and commitment to the team’s goals.
He even got to play for the coach of his college rivals:
As a North Carolina star, Barnes battled with Duke and Mike Krzyzewski in college basketball’s greatest rivalry, and now he is seeing the other side of Coach K.
“I definitely have a much greater appreciation for him,” Barnes said. “And I’ve learned so much, just because he’s been here before. He’s won gold; he’s been a huge part of why USA Basketball has been turned around since he got here. And I’m proud to be on the team that, this might be his last one.”
Barnes’ participation in the Olympics came at a pivotal time in his career. Leaving a championship-contending team like the Warriors and stepping into a larger role with the Mavericks required a mindset shift. The Olympics provided an opportunity for Barnes to showcase his skills on a global stage while also adjusting to new responsibilities and expectations. His time with Team USA highlighted his adaptability and readiness to embrace new challenges.
For fans and followers of Barnes, the 2016 Olympics were a reminder of his capability and potential. They saw a player who, despite not being the biggest star, made significant contributions to a championship effort, both in the NBA and on the international stage. As he continues to build his legacy, Harrison Barnes’ time with Team USA will always be a proud and significant chapter in his basketball story.
In the narrative of Harrison Barnes’ career, the summer of 2016 stands out not just for his move to the Mavericks, but also for his role in helping Team USA secure gold in Rio. It’s a testament to his skill, character, and dedication—a true professional making his mark, one game at a time.
