Dallas Mavericks: 2018-19 NBA season preview

Storyline 3: Is Harrison Barnes a long-term piece?

It seems sacrilegious that Dirk Nowitzki isn’t one of the top things to watch for, but that’s indicative of his role on the team. This should be the year he permanently moves to the bench, and he’s on his way out. He’ll still be a valuable sixth man, but it’s a sad reality for fans that he’s not the same player he was in 2011.

With Nowitzki out of the way, Barnes should be ready to move to the 4 full-time, or at least start games there. He has been better as a power forward, and having him there fits the league-wide trend towards small ball.

Harrison Barnes is in the third year of a four-year, $94.4 million contract. He’s a talented player, but perhaps not as talented as his contract might suggest.

Regardless of the number next to his name, Barnes is theoretically a pretty good fit as a decent shooter, defender and iso-scorer next to Doncic and Smith. Considering he won’t turn 27 until next May, he could be a long-term third fiddle there.

It’s good to have a bit of a gap between ages of key players on a team. Five years from now, Smith and Doncic could be 25 and 24 respectively, and be beginning their prime, just as Barnes at 31 is about to exit his.

Of course, a theoretical fit is different from a real one. It remains to be seen how the three will interact on the court, but it seems a safe bet that Doncic will make sure to get everyone involved in the offense.