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NBA: Complete 2016-17 Season Previews For All 30 Teams

By Gerald Bourguet

October 4, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) shoots the ball against Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) during the first quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
October 4, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) shoots the ball against Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) during the first quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 3, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes (40) sets the play against the Charlotte Hornets during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Dallas Mavericks

“More than likely, Harry Barnes will experience his ups and downs in an increased role. He won’t have the breakout season Dallas Mavericks fans are hoping for, nor will he be the miserable failure his harshest critics are expecting. The overwhelming takeaway that he’s not Nowitzki’s eventual successor, however, will be fairly obvious to both parties.

Dirk’s numbers will continue their steady decline, but the drop-off won’t be so sudden to place even more pressure on Barnes to perform. With another solid season from Justin Anderson, the Mavericks will be able to unleash some stifling defensive lineups whenever they choose to go small with that wing combination of Wesley Matthews, Anderson and Barnes.

There’s still no definitive answer to the question, “What happens after Dirk Nowitzki?” but at the very least, the Mavericks will be able to supply their seven-foot German with another playoff appearance in 2016-17 as they win 45 games…and bow out once again in the first round.”

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