Last Updated on April 16, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Here is detailed information about Matt Barnes:

Player Profile

  • Full Name: Matthew Kelly Barnes
  • Nationality: American
  • Age: Born on March 9, 1980
  • Hometown: Santa Clara, California, USA
  • Height: 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 meters)
  • Weight: 226 pounds (102 kg)
  • Wingspan: 6 feet 11 inches (2.11 meters)
  • Shoe Size: 14 (US)
  • Number: 9, 22, 11 (worn with different teams)
  • Position: Small Forward / Power Forward
  • High School:
    • Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory (San Francisco, California)
  • College:
    • UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) (1998–2002)
      • Played two years at UCLA before declaring for the NBA Draft.
      • Averaged 7.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game in his college career.
  • NBA Draft:
    • 2002 NBA Draft:
      • Selected 46th overall in the 2nd round by the Memphis Grizzlies (later traded to the Charlotte Hornets).
  • Teams Played For:
    1. Memphis Grizzlies (2002–2003)
    2. Charlotte Bobcats (2004–2005)
    3. Golden State Warriors (2006–2008)
    4. Phoenix Suns (2008–2010)
    5. Orlando Magic (2010–2012)
    6. Los Angeles Clippers (2012–2014)
    7. Sacramento Kings (2014–2015)
    8. Memphis Grizzlies (2015–2016)
    9. Golden State Warriors (2016–2017)
  • Championship Rings:
    • 1 NBA Championship (2017)
      • Matt Barnes won an NBA title with the Golden State Warriors during the 2016–2017 season.
  • Kids:
    • Matt Barnes has two children:
      1. Carter Barnes (with ex-wife Gloria Govan)
      2. Isaiah Barnes (with ex-wife Gloria Govan)
  • Siblings:
    • Twin Brother:
      • Matt Barnes has a twin brother named Jason Barnes.

Player Archetype / Play Style

Matt Barnes’ player archetype was that of a rugged 3-and-D wing who also brought enforcer energy, blending physical perimeter defense with complementary offense. Defensively, he was a tough, versatile stopper who could body bigger forwards, hold his own in the post, and switch across wing assignments with strength and edge. Offensively, Barnes fit best as a low-maintenance role player: a floor-spacer, transition finisher, and secondary ball-mover who did not need the offense built around him to make an impact. At 6-foot-7 and around 226 pounds, he had the strong frame and functional athleticism to play either forward spot, and his overall style leaned heavily on toughness, hustle, rebounding, defensive intensity, and timely catch-and-shoot scoring rather than polished shot creation. (Basketball Reference)

Fun Facts

  • Known for his defensive ability, toughness, and hustle on the court.
  • A respected role player with a career that spanned over 14 years in the NBA.
  • After retiring from professional basketball, Matt Barnes has worked as a media personality and podcast host.
  • Barnes is also recognized for his involvement in various business and social initiatives.

Sources:

Bleacher Report — B/R NBA 200: Ranking the Top Wings Heading into 2016-17
Bleacher Report — Ranking the Best Defensive Small Forwards in the NBA
NBA.com — Ranking Top 10 Small Forwards in Magic History
Basketball-Reference — Matt Barnes Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more