
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 7, 2022; Sacramento, California, USA; Former NBA player Matt Barnes smiles on the court before the game between the Sacramento Kings and New York Knicks at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Mar 7, 2022; Sacramento, California, USA; Former NBA player Matt Barnes smiles on the court before the game between the Sacramento Kings and New York Knicks at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Barnes has always worn his emotions on his sleeve. Whether jawing at opponents during his NBA days or delivering unfiltered takes on All The Smoke. But this time, his fire wasn’t for a courtside battle or a heated debate. It was for something far more personal.
Standing on the sidelines, watching his sons Isaiah and Carter dominate the court, Barnes wasn’t the NBA champion, the analyst, or the podcast host. He was just a dad. So, when the Mission League released its All-League selections, Barnes didn’t hold back. He took to Instagram, saluting his boys for carving out their own path in the basketball world
Matt Barnes posted an Instagram story tagging his sons. It featured a list of players selected for Second Team honors in the 2025 Mission League Boys Basketball All-League selections. He captioned the story, “Salute to my dawgs [salute emoji] @zaybarnes30 @carterbarnes35,” expressing pride and satisfaction over his sons attempting to carry on their father’s legacy.
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With a surname synonymous with toughness and basketball IQ, Isaiah and Carter are proving they belong. Their performances in the Mission League this season have solidified them as rising talents under their father’s mentorship.
The Barnes legacy and what lies ahead for the sons of Matt Barnes
Barnes’ legacy now runs through his sons, Isaiah and Carter. From his high-energy years in the NBA to his current media career, Barnes has remained deeply connected to the sport. Now, his sons are carving their own distinct paths on the high school circuit, proving that the Barnes name is still one to watch in the basketball world.
The Mission League is no joke when it comes to competition, it is a testing ground that forges young prospects in fire. Known for producing top-tier talent, earning All-League recognition, especially in a season packed with elite players, is no small feat. Landing on the Second Team is a testament to the Barnes brothers’ hard work, and it signals that they are poised for bigger things in the near future. With their strong performances this season, college recruiters are bound to take notice, potentially opening doors to the next level of their basketball careers.
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Are Isaiah and Carter Barnes the next big thing in basketball, following their father's legacy?
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With a career filled with gritty plays, tough defense, and undeniable resilience, Barnes knows better than anyone that recognitions like these don’t come easy.
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For now, though, Matt Barnes is soaking in the moment. A father proud of his sons’ achievements, cheering them on as their biggest fan. And if history has taught us anything, the Barnes family isn’t done making basketball headlines just yet. So, watch out!
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Debate
Are Isaiah and Carter Barnes the next big thing in basketball, following their father's legacy?