Matt Barnes Wife And Biography

In the world of professional basketball, few stories are as compelling as that of Matt Barnes. Known for his tenacity on the court and his candid demeanor off it, Barnes has lived a life marked by triumphs, tribulations, and transformations. This article delves into the multifaceted journey of Matt Barnes, exploring his rise in the NBA, his complex romantic relationships, and his evolution into a businessman and activist.

Matt Barnes’s Bio

Aspect	Details
Full Name	Matthew Kelly Barnes
Date of Birth	March 9, 1980
Place of Birth	Santa Clara, California, USA
Height	6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
Position	Small Forward / Shooting Guard
NBA Career	2004-2017
NBA Teams	Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento Kings, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns, Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies
College	UCLA (1998-2002)
NBA Championship	2017 (with Golden State Warriors)
Career Highlights	• NBA Champion (2017)<br>• All-Pac-10 First Team (2001)<br>• Pac-10 Tournament MVP (2002)
Post-NBA Career	• NBA analyst and commentator<br>• Co-host of “All the Smoke” podcast
Personal Life	• Married to Gloria Govan (2013-2016)<br>• Father of twin boys
Philanthropy	Founder of Athletes Vs. Cancer foundation
Notable	Known for his defensive skills and toughness on the court

Early Life and Basketball Beginnings

Childhood in Santa Clara, California

Matt Barnes was born on March 9, 1980, in Santa Clara, California. Growing up in the Bay Area, he was exposed to a diverse culture that would shape his worldview. Barnes’ father, a former NFL player, instilled in him a love for sports from an early age.

High School Basketball Career

At Del Campo High School in Fair Oaks, California, Barnes began to make a name for himself on the basketball court. His exceptional play earned him All-American, All-State, All-CIF, and All-City honors. During his senior year, Barnes averaged impressive stats:

Statistic	Average
Points	28.0
Rebounds	13.0
Assists	8.0
Blocks	7.0
Steals	6.0

These numbers caught the attention of college recruiters, setting the stage for Barnes’ next chapter.

College Years at UCLA

Barnes took his talents to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he played from 1998 to 2002. As a Bruin, he continued to develop his skills, becoming known for his versatility and defensive prowess. His college career highlights include:

• Named Honorable Mention All-Pac-10 in his junior and senior years
• Helped lead UCLA to the Sweet Sixteen in the 2002 NCAA Tournament
• Finished his college career with averages of 8.8 points and 4.8 rebounds per game

NBA Journey

Draft and Early Career Struggles

Despite his college success, Barnes’ entry into the NBA wasn’t smooth. He was selected as the 46th overall pick by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2002 NBA draft but was immediately traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers. What followed was a period of uncertainty:

• Waived by the Cavaliers before the 2002-03 season
• Played in the NBA Development League for the Fayetteville Patriots
• Signed and waived by several NBA teams, including the Clippers, Kings, and Knicks

This tumultuous start taught Barnes resilience and determination, qualities that would define his career and personal life.

Breakout Seasons and Team-Hopping

Barnes’ perseverance paid off as he began to find his footing in the NBA. His breakthrough came with the Golden State Warriors in the 2006-07 season, where he averaged 9.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. This success led to a series of contracts with various teams:

• Phoenix Suns (2008-09)
• Orlando Magic (2009-10)
• Los Angeles Lakers (2010-12)
• Los Angeles Clippers (2012-15)
• Memphis Grizzlies (2015-16)

During this period, Barnes established himself as a reliable “3 and D” player, known for his three-point shooting and defensive skills.

Championship Run with the Golden State Warriors

The pinnacle of Barnes’ NBA career came in the 2016-17 season when he signed with the Golden State Warriors. At age 37, he contributed to the Warriors’ championship-winning season, finally earning the elusive NBA title that had evaded him throughout his career.

“Winning a championship was the ultimate validation of all the hard work and sacrifices I made throughout my career,” Barnes reflected in a post-championship interview.

The Gloria Govan Chapter

Meeting at a Party in 2006

Matt Barnes’ personal life gained as much attention as his professional one, particularly his relationship with Gloria Govan. The two met at a party in 2006, sparking a romance that would become a significant part of Barnes’ story.

Whirlwind Romance and Engagement

Their relationship moved quickly, with Barnes proposing to Govan in 2010. The couple seemed to embody the glitz and glamour of NBA life, often appearing at red carpet events and basketball games together.

Twin Sons and Family Life

In 2008, Barnes and Govan welcomed twin boys, Carter and Isaiah. Becoming a father marked a new chapter in Barnes’ life, one that would profoundly impact his perspective both on and off the court.

Family Priorities:

• Balancing NBA schedule with family time
• Ensuring stability for the children despite a hectic lifestyle
• Navigating the challenges of raising children in the public eye

“Basketball Wives” Appearance and Public Scrutiny

Govan’s participation in the reality TV show “Basketball Wives” brought increased public attention to their relationship. While it raised their profile, it also exposed their personal lives to intense scrutiny and criticism.

Tumultuous Split and Custody Battle

In 2014, Barnes and Govan’s relationship took a turn for the worse, leading to a separation and eventually divorce. What followed was a highly publicized and contentious custody battle over their twin sons. The legal proceedings were marked by:

• Allegations of infidelity
• Disputes over child support and custody arrangements
• Public confrontations and social media feuds

This period was undoubtedly one of the most challenging in Barnes’ life, testing his resilience both personally and professionally.

Personal Growth and New Beginnings

Self-reflection and Therapy

The aftermath of his divorce prompted Barnes to engage in serious self-reflection. He openly discussed attending therapy to work through his emotions and improve as a person and father.

Key Areas of Focus in Therapy:

• Anger management
• Communication skills
• Co-parenting strategies
• Emotional intelligence

Co-parenting Challenges and Triumphs

Despite the initial acrimony, Barnes and Govan eventually found a way to co-parent effectively. Their journey to a more amicable relationship serves as an example of how former couples can put their children’s needs first.

“It wasn’t easy, but we realized that our kids deserved parents who could work together, even if we weren’t together,” Barnes shared in a podcast interview.

Redefining His Public Image

In the wake of his divorce and custody battle, Barnes worked to reshape his public image. He became more open about his struggles and growth, using social media and interviews to present a more nuanced version of himself to the public.

Finding Love Again: Anansa Sims

Introduction Through Mutual Friends

Barnes’ love life took a positive turn when he met model Anansa Sims through mutual friends. Sims, the daughter of supermodel Beverly Johnson, brought her own experiences and perspective to the relationship.

Bonding Over Shared Experiences

Both Barnes and Sims had previous marriages and children, allowing them to connect over the challenges of blended families and co-parenting. Their shared experiences created a strong foundation for their relationship.

Welcoming Son Ashton in 2018

The couple welcomed their son, Ashton Barnes, in December 2018. This new addition to Barnes’ family marked a fresh start and a chance to apply the lessons he’d learned from his past relationships.

Navigating a Blended Family

Creating harmony in a blended family presented both challenges and rewards for Barnes and Sims. They’ve been open about their approach to parenting, emphasizing:

• Open communication between all family members
• Respecting boundaries and previous co-parenting arrangements
• Creating new family traditions while honoring existing ones
• Ensuring all children feel equally loved and valued

Matt Barnes: The Entrepreneur and Activist

Cannabis Business Ventures

Following his retirement from the NBA, Barnes ventured into the cannabis industry. He co-founded Seven Leaves, a cannabis cultivation company based in Sacramento, California. This business move aligns with Barnes’ advocacy for the use of cannabis for pain management and wellness.

Podcasting and Media Career

Barnes has successfully transitioned into media, co-hosting the popular podcast “All The Smoke” with fellow former NBA player Stephen Jackson. The podcast features candid conversations with athletes, entertainers, and cultural figures, often touching on social issues.

Notable “All The Smoke” Guests:

• Kevin Durant
• Snoop Dogg
• Dwyane Wade
• Jamie Foxx

Racial Justice Advocacy and Community Work

In recent years, Barnes has become increasingly vocal about social justice issues, particularly those affecting the Black community. His activism includes:

• Participating in Black Lives Matter protests
• Using his platform to raise awareness about police brutality and systemic racism
• Supporting community initiatives in underserved areas
• Mentoring young athletes on social responsibility

Lessons in Love and Life

Evolving Views on Relationships and Marriage

Barnes’ experiences have shaped his perspective on love and commitment. He’s been open about the lessons he’s learned:

• The importance of communication and emotional intelligence in relationships
• The value of taking time to truly know a partner before making long-term commitments
• The need for individual growth and self-awareness in maintaining healthy relationships

Balancing Career Ambitions with Family Responsibilities

Throughout his NBA career and into his post-basketball ventures, Barnes has had to navigate the delicate balance between professional success and family life. He’s spoken about:

• Making intentional choices to prioritize family time
• The challenges of maintaining relationships while traveling for work
• Involving family in business decisions and career moves

Public vs. Private Life: Setting Boundaries

Living in the public eye has taught Barnes the importance of setting boundaries. He’s become more selective about what he shares on social media and in interviews, focusing on:

• Protecting his children’s privacy
• Maintaining a positive co-parenting relationship with ex-partners
• Sharing aspects of his life that can inspire or help others

The Barnes Family Today

Co-parenting Dynamics with Gloria and Anansa

Barnes’ family structure is a testament to his growth and maturity. He maintains a cordial relationship with Gloria Govan for the sake of their twins, while building a new family unit with Anansa Sims and their son.

Co-parenting Strategies:

• Regular family meetings to discuss schedules and important decisions
• Unified approach to discipline and values across households
• Flexibility and compromise during holidays and special events
• Encouraging positive relationships between all siblings

Raising Children in the Spotlight

With his high profile, Barnes faces unique challenges in raising his children. He’s adopted strategies to ensure his kids grow up grounded despite their father’s fame:

• Emphasizing education and hard work
• Exposing them to diverse experiences beyond the world of sports and entertainment
• Teaching them about financial responsibility and the value of money
• Encouraging them to develop their own identities and passions

Building a Lasting Legacy Beyond Basketball

Barnes is focused on creating a legacy that transcends his athletic achievements. This includes:

• Establishing scholarships for underprivileged youth
• Investing in community development projects
• Mentoring young athletes on financial literacy and personal branding
• Contributing to causes that promote racial equality and social justice

Reflections on Fame, Family, and Future

How Relationships Shaped His Personal Growth

Barnes credits his relationships, both successful and challenging, with profound personal growth. He’s learned:

• The value of self-reflection and accountability
• The importance of choosing partners who support personal and professional growth
• How to navigate public scrutiny of private matters
• The power of forgiveness and moving forward

Advice for Athletes Navigating Love and Career

Drawing from his experiences, Barnes offers advice to young athletes:

1. Prioritize personal growth alongside professional development
2. Be cautious about rushing into marriage or serious commitments
3. Seek mentorship from veterans who have successfully balanced family and career
4. Invest time in understanding finances and long-term planning
5. Remember that actions off the court can impact opportunities on the court

Plans for the Future: Family, Business, and Philanthropy

Looking ahead, Barnes is focused on:

• Expanding his business ventures in the cannabis and media industries
• Growing his philanthropic efforts, particularly in education and social justice
• Writing a memoir to share the lessons from his journey
• Continuing to be a present and engaged father to all his children

Conclusion: Matt Barnes’ Ongoing Journey

Matt Barnes’ life story is one of resilience, growth, and transformation. From his early struggles in the NBA to becoming a champion, and from his highly publicized personal life to finding balance and purpose, Barnes has shown that it’s possible to evolve and find success in multiple arenas.

His journey serves as a reminder that personal growth is an ongoing process, and that past challenges can become the foundation for future triumphs. As Barnes continues to navigate his roles as an athlete, entrepreneur, activist, and father, he remains committed to using his platform to inspire others and make a positive impact on the world around him.

In the end, Matt Barnes’ story is not just about basketball or fame, but about the universal human experiences of love, loss, growth, and redemption. It’s a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of staying true to oneself, even in the face of public scrutiny and personal setbacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Matt Barnes married to? 

Matt Barnes was previously married to Gloria Govan. They tied the knot in 2013 but divorced in 2016.

How many kids does Matt Barnes have with Gloria? 

Matt Barnes has twin sons, Carter and Isaiah, with Gloria Govan. They were born in 2008.

What happened to Matt Barnes mother? 

Matt Barnes’ mother, Ann Barnes, passed away in 2007 after a battle with cancer. Her death had a profound impact on Barnes’ life and career.

Does Matt Barnes have a son? 

Yes, Matt Barnes has three sons. Twin boys Carter and Isaiah with ex-wife Gloria Govan, and a younger son named Ashton with his current partner, Anansa Sims.

Who is Matt Barnes’ sister? 

Matt Barnes has a sister named Danielle Barnes. She’s been supportive of her brother throughout his career and personal life.

Is Matt Barnes married to Anansa Sims? 

As of the last available information, Matt Barnes is not married to Anansa Sims. They’ve been in a relationship since 2018 and have a son together, but they haven’t publicly announced any marriage plans.