Harrison Barnes was key against the Grizzlies (Photo via X)
Harrison Barnes says that being in the Spurs’ locker room sometimes feels like being alone in a strange country without a translator. The Spurs’ two youngest players, Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant, will start talking in the TikTok-ified language that teens today like to use. Barnes, a 33-year-old warrior, thought the two newcomers were talking the language of ancient Sumer.
Bryant said, “It takes him a while to get used to the language.” Barnes accepted he was wrong. Don’t think he’ll buy the “Gen Z-to-Millennial” Rosetta Stone starter pack any time soon, though. Barnes said, “Good English is always good.”
The Age Gap Creates Comedy and Mentorship
Barnes, Biyombo, and 34-year-old Kelly Olynyk represent old-school professionalism. Yet the oldest players view it as part of the job to bequeath wisdom to the next generation. “We have a good group of young guys,” Biyombo said. “Everybody gets along. Everybody wants to have fun with each other and win.”
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With Harper showing significant promise early in his rookie campaign, oddsmakers will constantly reassess San Antonio’s trajectory. The mentorship structure Barnes and other vets provide could accelerate the difference between a promising young core and a championship-caliber roster.
The Spurs’ roster spans generations. Harper is 19. Carter turned 20 last month. Victor Wembanyama is only 21. They were in grade school when Barnes and Bismack Biyombo made their NBA debuts. “When they grew up is a lot different than when we grew up,” Harper said.
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson appreciates the roster’s wide-ranging age. “At times, the older ones are barking at the younger ones like older dogs do puppies,” Johnson said. “Sometimes, you have this electric energy from these young guys. It’s a good balance.”
Reconciling Generational Differences
When the game was over, Bryant made fun of Biyombo’s nickname, “The Black Panther.” “Give me my vibranium!” Bryant yelled, imitating the voice of the movie character. Biyombo laughed so hard he cried. “I have three brothers and three sisters, and I’m the oldest of seven,” said Biyombo. “So I know how to be around kids.”
After being picked second overall out of Rutgers, Harper has been a surprise. The loss at Cleveland on Friday was a speed bump for him. He made only 1 of 11 shots from the floor and scored 3 points. The vets picked him up right away. “They’re going to sit me down and tell me what they see out there,” he said. “Everyone is like a family.”
Bryant is now working as an intern for Barnes. “HB has done a great job of showing me the ropes,” he said. “Trying to do the same exact thing every time I walk into the facility.” Barnes shows Bryant not only how to do things but also why they are done that way. “The things I work on every day may not show right now,” he said. “But looking ahead three, four years, we’re looking to be one of the best franchises in the NBA.”
Barnes has shown that he is ready to meet the kids where they are. Bryant gave Barnes a PlayStation while they were on a road trip in Phoenix. Now video games bring them together. Right now, everyone is crazy about ARC Raiders. “Every road trip, Carter comes to my room, sets it up for me,” he said. “It’s his rookie duty.”
The younger Spurs players like having the kids around. Barnes said, “It’s a good vibe.” “It definitely keeps you young.” But that doesn’t mean Barnes is going to start speaking on TikTok soon. Barnes said, “I’m not on TikTok as much, so I’ll let them have that.”