A biography for Matt Barneshasn’t been written yet.
“Running in transition and scoring in transition, prevents you from setting your defense up on the other side.”
“When you're in one of the biggest media markets and you have a good team and you're predicted to do well, if you struggle at any point, they're going to come after you. Even when you're playing well, you're not winning by enough.”
“I think what I came from and what I saw molded me into a certain person. Nothing was ever wrapped or a silver spoon, so I don't think I would know how to live and I don't think I'd want to live if it wasn't a grind.”
“When you're going through a divorce it's hard.”
“I was one of those guys who wasn't supposed to make it in this league.”
“Everybody is looking for me to fail.”
“I've traveled the world, made a lot of money, met a lot of amazing people.”
“I've never had a huge contract.”
“Athletes vs Cancer is a foundation that I started in 2008 after I lost my mom to cancer in 2007, and our goal is early detection, preventative screening and just really spreading knowledge about the cancer disease.”
“I've been playing in L.A. for a long time through college and pros, just to be ready. It's different out here.”
“It's obviously a blessing to be able to play on Christmas Night, the one big night everyone watches.”
“I'll knock down the open jumper when it's there, but I want to get after it on the defensive end.”
“I think social media is a double-edged sword for athletes and celebrities. I think sometimes it's the worst thing. It gives people who are kind of cowardly the opportunity to kind of take an open shot at you or your family and say the craziest, most outrageous thing that they can think of, knowing that they would never say that to your face.”
“Every one of us has the ability to raise awareness, volunteer, educate our friends and family, and give back to our communities.”
“People don't realize that everyone in the NBA is really good. The difference is having a coach that believes in you.”
“I'm an aggressive player. I always have been.”
“Some guys didn't have fathers. Some guys grew up with great dads but the weight of fatherhood shifts onto their shoulders because they make millions now. Some guys are away from their kids or divorced. I'm letting them all know they aren't alone when it comes to fatherhood issues and to encourage them to make time for their kids.”
“If I had to say how much I've paid in fines over my career, I'm sure it's over $500,000, going toward $1 million.”
“I'm all for a great fan environment to cheer us if we're home and boo us if we're the opposing team. But some fans are over the line with the stuff they say, the stuff they do.”
“I look at my team as my family and I will do anything for my family.”