Dallas Mavericks: 2016-17 Season Outlook

Three Key Storylines: 1. How Good Is Harrison Barnes?

Harrison Barnes is one of the biggest question marks trying to prove himself for not only the Dallas Mavericks, but the NBA in general in 2016-17.

Is he a glorified role player whose strengths were amplified playing alongside Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green? Or was he an underrated piece of Golden State’s success due to his three-point shooting and defensive versatility?

Some believe his flaws and inconsistencies were (mostly) covered by the all-time greatness around him. Others think he never got enough credit for the things he did do right. Heading into an expanded role on a much less talented Mavericks team, the world will get its first look at Harry B, warts and all.

At only 24 years old, there’s no question Barnes has room for growth. He shot an impressive 46.6 percent from the floor and 38.3 percent from three-point range last year, he’s a career 37.6 percent shooter from long range and he’s shown flashes of a strong post-up game as a 6’8″ small forward.

His defensive versatility will be a key addition to the Mavericks, who ranked 16th in defensive rating last year, per NBA.com. His ability to log minutes at the 4 and hold his own against opposing power forwards is what helped make Golden State’s “Death Lineup” as unstoppable as it was, and it could give Carlisle options with his lineups.

Another reason to believe in Harrison Barnes: Rick Carlisle, who has routinely turned chicken s**t into chicken salad for years now. Barnes has more than enough raw talent to work with, and if Carlisle is once again able to extract the best out of his role players, there’s little reason to doubt that Harry B will be any different.

However, that’s not to say Barnes’ growth is preordained. The pressure has gotten to him in the past, such as the last three games of the 2016 NBA Finals, when he shot a combined 5-for-32 from the floor and 3-for-15 from downtown.

When the Warriors needed Barnes to knock down those open looks the most, he failed miserably. Now that the Mavs need him to take on more responsibility, pressure reenters the equation. Perhaps being cast aside to make room for Kevin Durant will put a chip on his shoulder, but Barnes has never really had that kind of killer edge.

In an expanded role in Dallas, Barnes will need to find it. He’s always been a reserved, composed follower. He won’t fill Nowitzki’s shoes or usher in a brand new era of Mavericks basketball, but he’ll also need to prove that four-year, $94 million contract wasn’t a laughable overpay.

Next: Storyline 2: Defense And Versatility