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Pedigree is Enough for the Brooklyn Nets to Give Canyon Barry Consideration

By Alexander Cuesta

Mar 18, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida Gators guard Canyon Barry (24) controls the ball against Virginia Cavaliers guard Devon Hall (0) during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida Gators guard Canyon Barry (24) controls the ball against Virginia Cavaliers guard Devon Hall (0) during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /
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Canyon Barry, youngest son of basketball legend Rick Barry, is rising up everyone’s draft board, and the Brooklyn Nets should take notice.

Statistics: 11.4 PPG, 42.2 FG%, 2.8 RPG, 33.6 3P%

Combine Measurements: 6’6″, 215 lbs, 6’10” wingspan, 8’3″ standing reach

Age: 23

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Barry started his collegiate career at the College of Charleston where he redshirted one season and played three. He improved his scoring output and efficiency each season with his role expanding to a leader. During his junior year, he averaged 19.7 points per game while shooting 40.2% from the field.

He chose to transfer to the University of Florida for his final year of eligibility. Barry felt he would succeed in the free-flowing offense that was run there. Head Coach Mike White gave him high praise for his intelligence both on and off the court in an SI.com article.

"“He was a huge get for us. He is mature beyond his years. He’s extremely intelligent. As a guy studying nuclear engineering, he’s pretty good at understanding the scouting reports. We’re not offering him the most difficult material he’s dealing with on a daily basis.”"

Barry was an instant contributor for the Gators. He willingly came off the bench, averaging 11.9 points per game. His contributions were felt in more than just the points column. Coupling IQ and hustle, he helped lead the team to the NCAA Tourney for the first time since 2014.

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His main strength is his intelligence which he uses to outwit defenders to score at a high rate. He surprised many scouts by showing off just how athletic he could be during the second day of the NBA Combine in 3-on-3 drills. Barry showed off good bounce, dunking on a defender on the very first possession on the drill.

The perks that Barry would bring to the Nets comes in many forms. He is solid shooting off the dribble and can score from any spot on the floor. He is working on creating his own shot more often as he sees it as necessary to be a successful pro.

Barry is also a terrific free throw shooter, shooting it at 88.3% this past year. And for those asking, yes, he does shoot them underhand, just like his legendary father. The style makes him a great attraction for those that have never seen it and it’s obviously not just for show.

His other strengths include a good defensive ability that he used to stop would-be scorers. He’s also more athletic than he seems at first, helping him stay between offensive players and the basket.

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Barry’s greatest strength, besides his scoring, is his seemingly endless motor. He never lacks hustle and it could be his biggest asset in the NBA. Barry makes up for a lack of athleticism with his strong will to compete and succeed on every possession.

There are areas of improvement though if Barry were to come to the Nets. He is not a great ball handler or passer, and this could cause him to be turnover prone. The speed and athleticism of the pro game is on a different level and he’ll have to be better at taking care of the ball.

This is where having head coach Kenny Atkinson, known for player development, really comes in handy. If the Nets choose to take a chance on Barry then he will definitely spend time in the D-League. It will be necessary for his development before seeing the NBA floor.

Barry’s other deficiencies include not being a great rebounder for his size and not getting many steals. This is a surprise considering he is a player that plays with a lot of effort and intelligence. This may come along with his development, but he will need to get better quickly to become valuable to a team.

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Ultimately, Canyon Barry would be a second-round selection for the Brooklyn Nets, if they decided to select him. He’s a player that would need to be developed, but could fit into the Nets’ system nicely. He has the pedigree and potential to be a solid NBA player, but it’ll be up to the Nets whether he’s worth the risk.