Harrison Barnes, an NBA “ironman,” thanks to his comprehensive readiness routine.
SAN ANTONIO — At 33 years old, San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes is considered “old” by NBA standards, even though in reality, he is still young.
Nevertheless, at 33, he is the NBA’s “ironman,” having not missed a single game from December 2021 to this season, playing all 14 games for the Spurs.
So, what is his key to this incredible streak of never missing work? A commitment to being ready, starting with himself and his attention to other things outside of the basketball court.
“It’s not just putting up shots and thinking that that’s going to prepare you,” he said. “It’s the weight room. It’s the time on the table before and after practices, before and after games.”
But it does not end there for Barnes. He pays attention to his diet and sleep to the point that they become second nature and part of his routine.
“It’s the sleep, it’s the diet. It’s a full encompassing process to be able to show up every single night at 7:00 PM,” he said. “I think obviously when you’ve been in the league a long time, it just kind of becomes commonplace.”
This season, he is posting 12.9 points per game, 2.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and shooting 48% from the three-point line, which is his highest percentage in his 13 NBA seasons, along with his highest effective field goal percentage at 72%.
The veteran’s commitment to staying ready is showing and serves as a blueprint for younger players to follow.
When he is not on the court, he rides a stationary bike near the Spurs player tunnel to stay warm, and the team even recognized his efforts (along with ex-Spur Chris Paul and Julian Champagnie) for playing all 82 games during the 2024-25 season.
“I think one thing that I try to tell our guys is the constant daily commitment to being ready. I think for a lot of our guys who are younger in their careers, handling more volume, more responsibility, whether you’re a point guard, whether you’re a center focal point in the offense, whatever it is, it just takes time to figure out what is best for you,” he said.
Barnes has played in 338 consecutive games since 2021, a testament to his commitment to being available for his teammates, professionalism, and setting a good example for some of the younger Spurs players and other players throughout the league.
And he is seeing younger players beginning their commitment to staying ready.
“Guys are feeling that process out and they’re getting better at that every single day,” he said.