Hiring Mike Brown as the Kings' new coach wasn't only a reset for the franchise but also for Harrison Barnes.
Speaking with reporters after practice Saturday, Barnes explained how having a new coaching staff for the 2022-23 NBA season is akin to having a fresh start.
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"There's been a lot of turnovers, right, since I've been here," Barnes said (h/t FOX 40 Sacramento's Sean Cunningham). "But I think for us, it's a new year, new group. That's the focus."
The 30-year-old forward made it a point to say that he is not dwelling on the past, but rather on what lies ahead.
"The group that we have here is excited to be here and motivated, and from the coaches to players, I think that's what we're focused on," Barnes continued.
When asked if he was surprised to be with the Kings this season, Barnes chuckled before answering that that is how the NBA is.
NBA
"I checked Woj, I checked Shams, there still got me here so as far as I'm concerned, this is where I'm supposed to be and I got to give my best effort," Barnes concluded.
A solid contributor on both ends of the floor, Barnes has been the subject of trade rumors since he was dealt to Sacramento in 2019.
Selected No. 7 overall by the Warriors in the 2012 NBA Draft, Barnes has proven to be a versatile wing, able to play both forward positions while also defending opposing guards and wings effectively.
That said, although Brown has told reporters Saturday that Barnes, De'Aaron Fox, and Domantas Sabonis will start for the Kings in preseason, he did mention that the lineup remains in flux.
"Everyone's been busting their behinds here and so if I can, I'm going to try and play everybody," Brown said. "I'll probably start the five that have a chance to start [in the regular season].
"But that group may not start at the end of the day. We might change it up the next game."
Furthermore, the Kings' coach says that keeping their head in the game, regardless of what's happening, is what he wants his team to focus on in their preseason opener against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena.
"I want to see us compete," Brown said. "We have values that we've laid out and some expectations. We could be up big, we could be down big, but no matter what the score is, or who's out there, I want to compete on both sides of the ball."
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As one of the elder statesmen on the Kings, Barnes figures to play an integral role this season.
With Brown's message loud and clear heading into the season, the Kings are hopeful that a championship-level coach and a refreshed Barnes can lead them to where they want to be.