At the age of 19, Barrett played 31 minutes per game as a rookie. Former manager David Fizdale was asked early in the season as a rookie about Barrett if he was worried about giving too many minutes to a 19-year-old. But Barrett remained sturdy and mostly injury-free save for a sprained ankle.
Barrett had a tired-looking match against the Thunder in which he shot 7 of 21.
“I’m going out there and playing,” Barrett said of leading the NBA in minutes. “It’s my job. As long as the coach wants me on the track, I’m happy to be out there. I want to contribute in any way I can.”