NEW YORK — Matt Barnes' body is covered with tattoos, each offering a window into the psyche of one of the NBA's most polarizing players. Most visible is the script "Believe" that traverses the right side of his neck, in front of two praying hands. [...] nine years after ending a two-season stint he considers the highlight of his career, he hopes Golden State can again provide a much-needed fresh start. Before the Warriors offered him their final roster spot, Barnes was nearly forced into retirement at 36 by a slew of off-the-court troubles. "This has always been a special place," said Barnes, who was signed Thursday after Kevin Durant suffered a knee injury that will sideline him at least four weeks. Barnes is the rare role player to reach his 14th NBA season. A former second-round pick from UCLA, he has built a career on scrapping for loose balls, setting textbook screens, cutting hard to the rim and standing up for teammates. After stops with the Development League's Fayetteville Patriots and the ABA's Long Beach Jam, he ping-ponged between the Clippers, Kings, Knicks and 76ers. In the summer of 2006, with no more offers from NBA teams, Barnes — a former All-America...