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NBA Thanksgiving: What Every Team Has To Be Thankful For, Part 1

By Gerald Bourguet

November 13, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) celebrates against the Phoenix Suns during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Suns 133-120. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 13, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) celebrates against the Phoenix Suns during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Suns 133-120. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 19, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes (40) brings the ball down court during the first quarter against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Dallas Mavericks: Harrison Barnes

We won’t lie to you Big D fans: 2016-17 is looking pretty rough so far. The Dallas Mavericks are 2-12, the 38-year-old Dirk Nowitzki has missed all but four games due to an Achilles injury and the Mavs are down to Seth Curry and Jonathan Gibson at point guard.

But after giving Harrison Barnes a five-year, $94 million contract over the summer, at least he’s exceeding expectations. He’s not a franchise player, nor is he the successor to Nowitzki this team will need one day soon, but he is proving he deserved more credit for the player he was with the Warriors, averaging a career-high 21.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game in Dallas.

He’s not shooting the ball particularly well from downtown, but Harry B is quickly proving he can be a No. 2 or a No. 3 option on a good team. Now the Mavs just need to find a new No. 1 option so they can, you know, be a good team again.