Barnes entered the professional basketball scene when he was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 1974 NBA Draft. However, he chose to sign with the Spirits of St. Louis in the American Basketball Association (ABA), where he made an immediate impact. During his time with the Spirits, Barnes was known for his scoring ability and rebounding prowess. In his rookie season, he averaged 24.0 points and 15.6 rebounds per game, earning him the ABA Rookie of the Year award.
His tenure with the Spirits of St. Louis was marked by both brilliance on the court and controversy off it. Barnes was known for his flamboyant lifestyle and often found himself in the headlines for reasons beyond basketball. Despite these distractions, his talent was undeniable, and he continued to be a dominant force in the ABA.
When the ABA-NBA merger occurred in 1976, Barnes transitioned to the NBA, joining the Detroit Pistons. His time in the NBA, however, was less stable than his ABA career. Barnes struggled with consistency and off-court issues, which affected his performance and playing time. He played for several teams, including the Buffalo Braves, Boston Celtics, and San Diego Clippers, but was unable to replicate the success he had in the ABA.
Barnes' professional career was characterized by flashes of brilliance and periods of turbulence.
🏀