Golden State Warriors forward Harrison Barnes is nearing a return to the court after missing the team's first four games with a toe injury.
Harrison Barnes injury: Warriors forward close to return, could play Wednesday
The second-year forward is still day-to-day, but signs point to him nearing his 2013-14 regular season debut, which could happen as early as Wednesday in Minnesota.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
More: Golden State of Mind
The Warriors swingman was able to practice on Tuesday in a wide-array of drills, and his body’s response will be critical in determining how his injury responds to the activity.
”The Warriors had a light practice, but forward Harrison Barnes (left toe inflammation) put in a workload. In addition to the drills, he was able to scrimmage 3 on 3. He was covered in sweat after practice, closing it out by doing some 1-on-1 drills with assistant coach Brian Scalabrine. It’s another sign he’s about ready to make his season debut.
“Jackson said he still doesn’t know if Barnes will play Wednesday. He said it depends how his toe responds to Tuesday’s workout and what the doctors and Barnes say.”
The Warriors are good, but they'll be even better once they have their 2012 first-round pick back in the lineup. When he does make his regular season debut, Barnes will likely take on a sixth-man role in relief of either Klay Thompson or Andre Iguodala for stretches.
With the ability to get to the rim and finish while creating shots for himself from mid-range and long-range, he figures to be a major part of the rotation and a key component of Golden State’s aspirations to make a deep run in the Western Conference.
Officially, Barnes is still listed day-to-day, but the news that he’s practicing and has resumed basketball activities is a good sign.
Per the report, it will all depend on Barnes and the team medical staff. They'll come together and make a determination as to when he can come back based on what's best for both he and the team. From what it sounds like, playing Wednesday is a possibility as the Warriors prepare to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves on the road.
In his rookie campaign, Barnes averaged 9.2 points and 4.1 rebounds in 25.4 minutes per game.
More from SB Nation NBA:
See More:
