Dallas Mavericks: 2017-18 player grades for Harrison Barnes

DETROIT, MI - APRIL 6: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball against the Detroit Pistons on April 6, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

5 of 5

Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images. /

Final grade

In my eyes, Barnes failed to live up to expectations and evolve his game in his second season with the Dallas Mavericks.

He lacked the aggressiveness that so many of the NBA’s best are known to play with, and he didn’t take on a larger role. This may be because Barnes has already hit his ceiling, or maybe he wanted to give space for rookie point guard Dennis Smith Jr. to develop.

Another possible explanation is that most NBA defenses have familiarized themselves to Barnes as the Mavericks’ best player. He’ll need to have better teammates around him or figure out how to adjust his game to reduce the pressure he’s faced with.

Regardless of the reasoning, it’s becoming clear that Barnes doesn’t have what it takes to be a true No. 1 option on a contending playoff team, but rather a third or fourth. The sooner Dallas can acquire more star players and talent, the quicker their quest will be to return to the postseason.

Next: Ranking the 5 favorites to win the 2019 NBA Finals

Grade: C+

Home/Dallas Mavericks