Andrew Pace
Matt Barnes is a former NBA player who has played for several teams, including the Memphis Grizzlies, Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Los Angeles Clippers. In an interview, Barnes discussed his workout regimen and shared his preference for MMA workouts over traditional basketball workouts. He cited the intense cardio and fighting skills that MMA offers as reasons for his choice. Barnes also mentioned that he grew up around violence and learned to fight from his father, which may have influenced his interest in MMA. Barnes's workout ethics and choice of training have sparked conversations among fans and athletes, with some agreeing with his methods and others, like Colin Kaepernick, facing challenges from leagues when it comes to their workout preferences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matt Barnes |
| Profession | Basketball Player |
| Teams | Sacramento Kings, Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns, Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers |
| Workout Routine | MMA, Boxing |
| Retirement | 11 December 2017 |
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What You'll Learn
Matt Barnes' workout preferences: MMA and boxing
Matt Barnes, the former NBA player, has expressed his preference for MMA and boxing as workout regimens. In an interview with NBC Sports, Barnes revealed that he chose MMA and boxing to get in shape for the upcoming NBA season. Barnes explained that he couldn't join the pickup games at UCLA due to the risk of injury, so he opted for MMA training instead.
Barnes connected with former MMA fighter John Marsh at Redondo Beach Gold's Gym to learn how to fight. He described MMA as a "great, intense cardio workout" that allowed him to learn the proper techniques for striking, throwing elbows and knees, and guarding. Barnes also highlighted the practical application of MMA to the NBA, a contact sport itself, where core strength, balance, and lower body movement are crucial.
When comparing MMA to boxing, Barnes acknowledged that both are excellent workouts. However, he expressed a preference for MMA, stating that it feels more gratifying due to its comprehensive nature: "Your kicking, your striking, your grappling, and you're boxing."
Barnes's interest in MMA and boxing has continued beyond his playing career. He co-hosts the digital video podcast "All the Smoke," which has expanded into the combat sports space with "All the Smoke: Fight," covering MMA and boxing. Barnes's passion for these sports has influenced his workout preferences, and he continues to advocate for the benefits of MMA and boxing training for athletes.
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Barnes' NBA career length
Matt Barnes played in the NBA for 14 seasons. He was first drafted in 2002 by the Memphis Grizzlies and played his first game in 2004 for the Los Angeles Clippers. Barnes played for several teams throughout his career, including the Sacramento Kings (2004-05 season), Philadelphia 76ers (2004-05 and 2005-06 seasons), New York Knicks (2005-06 season), Golden State Warriors (2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons), Phoenix Suns (2008-09 season), Orlando Magic (2009-10 season), Los Angeles Lakers (2010-11 season), and Los Angeles Clippers (2012-13 seasons). He also played for the Fayetteville Patriots and Long Beach Jam in the NBA D-League and ABA respectively.
Barnes was known for his offensive capabilities and his strong post-season performances. Notably, in the 2006-07 season, he made 106 three-point field goals, a significant improvement from his previous season's total of 10. Barnes also served as a Warriors team captain during the 2007-08 season, alongside teammates Stephen Jackson and Baron Davis.
In the latter part of his career, Barnes returned to the Sacramento Kings in 2016, signing with his hometown team. However, he was waived by the Kings in February 2017 to make room for new players acquired in a trade. Barnes then signed with the Golden State Warriors in March 2017 as a replacement for the injured Kevin Durant. This stint with the Warriors proved to be his final season in the NBA, as he won his first and only championship ring.
On December 11, 2017, Barnes announced his retirement from the NBA via an Instagram post. In total, his NBA career spanned 14 seasons, with 2017 being his final year as a professional basketball player.
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Teams Barnes has played for
Matt Barnes played basketball for 9 different teams across 14 seasons in the NBA. He was drafted in the second round of the 2002 NBA draft by the Memphis Grizzlies and went on to play for the Long Beach Jam, Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento Kings, Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns, and Charlotte Hornets.
Barnes signed with the Long Beach Jam of the ABA for their first season in 2003, where he played alongside Dennis Rodman. The team won the ABA championship, with Barnes averaging 18.9 points and 6.8 rebounds. Barnes then signed with the Los Angeles Clippers for the second half of the 2003-04 NBA season.
In October 2004, Barnes signed with his hometown team, the Sacramento Kings, recording 17 points and nine rebounds in his debut. He played two stints with the Kings, but his best years may have been with two of Sacramento's rivals: the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors.
Barnes signed with the New York Knicks as a free agent in October 2005 but was waived after just six games. He then returned to the 76ers to finish out the 2005-06 season.
Before the 2006-07 season, Barnes signed with the Golden State Warriors, where his offensive game improved significantly, increasing from 3.0 points a game in Philadelphia to 9.8. In the 2007 playoffs, he averaged 11.1 points and 5.7 rebounds in eleven games, helping the Warriors defeat the Mavericks. Barnes returned to the Warriors for the 2007-08 season as a team captain but did not re-sign for the following year.
On July 22, 2008, Barnes signed a one-year contract with the Phoenix Suns. He received a two-game suspension early in the season for his role in a scuffle with Houston's Rafer Alston.
On June 15, 2015, Barnes was traded to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Lance Stephenson. Ten days later, he was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, reuniting with the team that originally drafted him. Barnes won an NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors in his final season in 2017.
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His NBA season performance
Matt Barnes was selected with the 46th overall pick by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2002 NBA draft. He was then traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers and joined their minor league affiliate, the Fayetteville Patriots, for the 2002–03 season. Barnes signed with the Long Beach Jam of the ABA for their inaugural season in 2003, where he played with Dennis Rodman. The team won the ABA championship, with Barnes averaging 18.9 points and 6.8 rebounds.
Barnes signed a contract with the Los Angeles Clippers for the second half of the 2003–04 NBA season. In October 2004, he signed with the Sacramento Kings, recording 17 points and nine rebounds in his debut and establishing himself as a key rotation player. Barnes was traded halfway through the 2004–05 season to the Philadelphia 76ers. However, he did not play that season due to a knee injury and was given an injury release.
Barnes signed a free agent contract with the New York Knicks in October 2005 but was waived after playing in just six games. He then returned to the 76ers to finish out the 2005–06 season. Barnes signed with the Golden State Warriors in October 2006 and significantly improved his offensive game, increasing his points per game from 3.0 to 9.8. In the 2006–07 season, he made 106 three-pointers, tying a Warriors franchise record with seven three-pointers in a game on December 26, 2006. Barnes also had a strong 2007 postseason, helping the Warriors upset the Mavericks in the playoffs.
Barnes returned to the Warriors under a one-year contract for the 2007–08 season, serving as a team captain alongside Stephen Jackson and Baron Davis. On July 22, 2008, he signed a one-year contract with the Phoenix Suns but was suspended for two games early in the season for his role in a scuffle. Barnes signed a two-year deal with the Orlando Magic on July 23, 2009, and after a successful season, he opted out of his contract following the Magic's elimination in the 2010 NBA playoffs.
Barnes signed with the Los Angeles Lakers on July 23, 2010, and then returned to the Clippers in September 2012, re-signing with them in 2013. During the 2014–15 season, Barnes was fined multiple times for his behaviour during games, including kicking a water bottle and using inappropriate language. On June 15, 2015, he was traded to the Charlotte Hornets.
On March 2, 2017, Barnes signed with the Golden State Warriors again as a replacement forward, playing 20 games and starting in five. The Warriors won the 2017 NBA Finals, giving Barnes his first championship ring after 14 seasons in the NBA. On December 11, 2017, he announced his retirement from the NBA.
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Barnes' podcast
Matt Barnes is a retired NBA player who co-hosts the podcast 'All the Smoke' with fellow NBA veteran Stephen Jackson and Rachel Nichols, a sports journalist. The podcast is presented by The Black Effect and iHeartPodcasts.
'All the Smoke' features candid conversations and interviews with some of the biggest names in basketball, including Kobe Bryant, Quavo, and Stephen Curry. Barnes and Jackson are known for their outspoken and intense personalities, and they provide unique insights into the world of basketball, both on and off the court. They also serve as mentors to many players in the league and are respected for their knowledge of the game.
In one episode, Barnes and Jackson reminisce about their NBA Finals runs with the Golden State Warriors and the San Antonio Spurs, where they played alongside basketball greats such as Curry, Kevin Durant, and Tim Duncan. They also break down the 2025 Finals between the OKC Thunder and Indiana Pacers.
The podcast covers a range of topics, from basketball news and drama to more lighthearted conversations about their experiences in the league. Barnes and Jackson are praised by listeners for their authenticity and ability to bring back memories of the golden days of basketball.
'All the Smoke' has gained a reputation for pushing boundaries and providing unfiltered perspectives on the latest happenings in the NBA. It has become a go-to source for fans seeking insider knowledge and real talk about the sport and its stars.
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Frequently asked questions
Matt Barnes has used MMA workouts and training to get ready for the NBA season. He has also done boxing in the past but prefers MMA as it is more complete.
Matt Barnes chose MMA workouts as it includes kicking, striking, grappling, and boxing. He also believes that it is a great, intense cardio workout.
MMA workouts help with core strength, balance, and lower-body movement, which are all important for jumping, boxing out, and screening people on the basketball court.
