Isaiah Barnes, son of 2017 NBA Champion Matt Barnes, responded with astonishment to the recent Kevin Durant Houston Rockets trade announced on Sunday by ESPN’s Shams Charania. Barnes shared his reaction on Instagram with a two-word post expressing his surprise.
While Durant prepares for a new chapter with the Houston Rockets, Isaiah Barnes is focused on his junior year at Crespi High School in Encino, California. Last season, Barnes led the Crespi Celts to a 21-9 record and a fourth-place finish in the California Southern Section Mission Basketball League, finishing with a 4-3 league record. Despite their success, the team was eliminated in the second round of the CIF state tournament.
Over two seasons at Crespi, Barnes has appeared in 59 games, averaging 10.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.7 steals, and 0.1 blocks per game as a 6-foot-3 guard. His performances have caught attention beyond high school competitions.
Isaiah Barnes Impresses at NBPA Top 100 Camp
Barnes showcased his shooting skills at the NBPA Top 100 camp, where his three-point shooting stood out. High Level Hoops praised Barnes for his smooth shooting mechanics, footwork, and ability to find open spots on the court during camp matchups.
“2027 guard Isaiah Barnes is making his presence felt at the NBPA Top 100 Camp with his perimeter shooting. In an early matchup against Team Johnson, Barnes found his rhythm from beyond the arc, knocking down three three-pointers and showcasing smooth mechanics and consistent footwork. He was comfortable spotting up and ready to fire when the ball came his way.
“He followed that up with a standout performance against Team Sandro, where he connected on four threes and finished with 16 points. Barnes moved well without the ball, constantly relocating to create open looks and taking advantage of defensive breakdowns.”
Representing Team Reggie, Barnes averaged 6.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 19 minutes per game. His best outing came on June 12 in a 105-79 win against Team Sandro, where he scored 16 points on 5-for-7 shooting, including 4-for-6 from three-point range, and contributed two rebounds, two assists, and one steal.
College Opportunity on the Horizon for Barnes
On March 31, Barnes announced he received an NCAA Division 1 offer from the University of San Diego Toreros. With two years remaining before his collegiate decision, the opportunity highlights his rising profile as a promising guard to watch.
As Kevin Durant starts this new phase with the Houston Rockets, Isaiah Barnes continues to build his basketball journey with optimism and notable progress at Crespi High School and through elite camps, demonstrating his potential for future success at the college level and beyond.