He came back in the Clipper game and played against the Suns, but got the dreaded DNP on Wednesday night. What's the deal? Is he hurt again? Is he in JVG's doghouse? If he thinks he can play, he needs to be out there regardless of what JVG thinks. He needs to shake off the rust. We really need his energy for the stretch run.
The last time JVG listened to him ("I think I can play, coach"), the guy ended up more hurt than he was the first time. JVG isn't blind... he sees more of these guys in one day of practice than we ever see in a week's worth of games. He knows exactly what Barry's limits are on BOTH ends of the court right now, and he's only going to unleash him when he's fully comfortable that he can contribute to make the team better, not just so he can avoid giving him a DNP. Plus, who would you take out of the rotation right now? Bogans (who has essentially taken Barry's place) is providing some good energy off the bench, he keeps the ball moving on the perimeter, and he hasn't been a liability defensively. As long as Barry is in shape as we make our final push for the playoffs (and during the playoffs), I'm fine with him getting to total full strength before he risks coming back.
Um .. Bogans is DA's replacement, not Barry's replacement. Barry is supposed to be a backup SG -- the guy who's taking his minutes is Luther Head. And I can see why - Luther is less of a defensive liability (one aspect of his game that he has quietly developed throughout the season) and JVG is willing to give up a little perimeter offense for extra defense in this situation (probably with the hope that Luther's shot will eventually come back to form). But don't be surprised if JVG sticks Barry out there one of these days when he's desperate for some offense. Typically what we've seen so far is that we're playing well enough that JVG sees no need to mess with the rotation (building that chemistry/consistency is critical if we really want to make the playoffs).
Actually, with the way JVG has the rotation now (no Moochie), Head is Alston's backup. (JVG also said that he wants Head to be playing more PG, rather than SG) Bogans is doing exactly the same thing Barry did last year... he gives T-mac his first breather, and then stays in when Wesley goes out. I won't say he's "DA's replacement", because DA hasn't been here for a good while now... and Bogans has only been here for a week. In the end, once Barry is healthy, he will merely add to the weapons at JVG's disposal (and maybe we won't have to see those 2 token minutes of Ryan Bowen... even though JVG loves him).
Rybo is a good backup PF when used in a desperate attempt for a steal then subbed straight away when his job (of getting the steal) is done.
Rockets could definately use his savy on the floor... We almost blew the game against the Clips. After an inbound pass debacle, I think JVG said something to the effect: "Does anyone know what the ^$%@! they are doing" Enter, Jon Barry I'd bet money he's just not healthy enough to go...
We're gonna need Jon Barry once the playoffs roll around. Lets just get him healthy for the playoffs, thats all I'm concerned about with him.
I miss Barry. The guy really enjoys playing. I know JVG loses 3 more hairs everytime he is on the court, but Barry always brings it. I'd like to see Barry in the rotation more cause we need guys to hit the open J's. Wesley is killing them right now. If we had Wesley and Barry playing well, that would be pretty strong. Get well, Jon!
