[Courtesy of the NBA]

That cross over sheds light on Harrison Barnes new frame of mind. Confident. Decisive.

Every time I’ve seen Barnes score this season, there is no hesitation in his movements. Soon as he touches the rock, he’s gone. His first step is supremely underrated. I don’t know where this was at Golden State, but he looks the part of all that hype he was receiving Coming out of Ames High School.

If you think about it, if you had to play 4th fiddle, I can see where you just play your role. Clock in-work-clock out, and go home.

Now that he’s the cornerstone of a franchise that’s desperate to have one, he’s trying his best to live up to his max deal. This may in fact be Dirks last year, and the passing of the torch has long begun. In fact, it’s three months in.

There’s just one problem, well there’s several:

1. The Dallas Mavericks are notorious for not acquiring talent to consistently be a contending franchise
2. Harrison needs to add on some muscle this offseason for the long haul
3. Harrison needs to expand his game beyond blow by’s, pull ups and the occasional fade away to the left
4. Finally the Mavs need to get Barnes help. Surround him with talent so he can flourish. Namely go get the man a point guard

 

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The Dallas Mavericks are notorious for not acquiring talent to consistently be a contending franchise

For many years it was Dirk Nowitzki, surrounded by average talent — at best. Years of trying to go deeper into the playoffs, but not having the roster on par — to that of the   competition. Thus coming up short for 17 of his 18 years.

Harrison needs to add on some muscle this offseason for the long haul

Harrison still looks somewhat slight. 6’8 and listed at 210 lbs. Barnes needs to boost up at least 20-30 more lbs, so he can feast down on the block [see more below] and he can be interchangeable and also play at the 4 spot. Beating players who aren’t as quick as he off the dribble with his first step.

Harrison needs to expand his game beyond blow by’s, pull ups and the occasional fade away to the left

Quick contradiction. The first step is elite (yes I said it), but you need to mix it up. Plus, you need something to rely on when the athleticism fades down the road. If Harrison were to put on some lean muscle, and develop a post up game, he could presumably be unstoppable, because of his versatility.

Harrison Barnes all around game needs further developing. While 31 points in a game is great, you can not have 2 rebounds in your stat line. or just an assist.

[courtesy of Free Dawkins of Youtube]

The 1:14 mark is a flash of greatness. That should happen more often.

Harrison is a new man. Finally living up to his potential. I hate that I doubted him. Or maybe I had my Golden Blinders on… see what I did there? Golden Blinders. Golden Sta… Ahhh never mind…

The small forward position is turning out to be the most exciting position to watch. Some may argue point guard, but with the emergence of the scoring point guard, or dare say saturation, of the position, the purity is now at the 3 spot.

 

Last time the Mavs had a losing record was the 99-00 season. This season isn’t on Barnes whatsoever tho. Look at this roster:

LeBron couldn’t win with that!

Finally the Mavs need to get Barnes help. Surround him with talent so he can flourish. Namely go get the man a point guard

I’m not going to waste time pumping up the fans in Dallas by telling them how Mark Cuban should go after Blake Griffin. Even i’m not sure if that’s realistic, even considering how he feels about all the trade rumors.

But, someone like Serge Ibaka could be an excellent pick up for the Mavs. Maybe you can talk George Hill out of Utah and pair him with Harrison.  Jeff Teague would be a great fit. Maybe trade for Jahlil Okafor (thanks Tareau). To get a free agent here, first Harrison has to audition for the role of partner of a great duo. In other words, make your case for being Batman… or someone’s *sigh* Robin.

I’ve been right about Gordon Hayward, Kemba Walker, Paul George and James Harden. Don’t act like people weren’t saying he would be a great 6th man his whole career. Everyone has selective memory now though. No, I’m not tooting my own horn, but what I am saying is I’m a great early development talent evaluator. I believe in the eye test. I’m putting my reputation on the line. I believe in Harrison, and when he makes a couple All-Star games I’ll feel justified.

The rest of this season should be used to figure out what does and doesn’t work as the focal part of a team. Maybe he and Seth can become the All Underrated Duo. I guess we’ll all find out together.

In conclusion,  I’m not only on the Harrison bandwagon, I’m driving this bitch.✌🏿