Dallas Mavericks: An Apology Letter to Harrison Barnes

After a summer in which I actively fought Harrison Barnes coming to Dallas, including multiple segments on our podcast to keep Chandler Parsons and forget Barnes, it is time to eat my words.

Dear Mr. Barnes,

As you have put the Dallas Mavericks team on your shoulders for this entire season after only joining the team mere months ago, I believe that it is my civic duty to apologize for my words this past summer.

Although  I am not the only one who did not believe you were capable of the great things you have shown us, I was very vocal about my beliefs that you were not ready to jump to stardom. I made many comments on our podcasts that you were not ready for that big of a role in the offense.

Boy was I wrong.

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I have been more than happy to eat my words so far this season, Mr. Barnes. You deserve respect, not just from me and basketball fans around the world, but especially from the poor souls assigned to guard you each night on the court.

Your ability to create your own shot has been second to none this season and it could not have come at a more crucial time for Dallas. There is no one else on the team who has really been able to create consistently this year and we have needed it just to stay in these games.

With what you have shown me through the first 13 games of the season, I can promise that I will be an HB fan for life. MFFLs everywhere will support you faithfully during your NBA journey. You have earned the respect and love of all the fans in such a short time, it really is incredible.

So again, Mr. Barnes, I wanted to say sorry for my words before. But more than anything, I want to say thank you. Thank you for giving the Mavericks a sliver of hope in these dark times. Between the rough start to the season and the impending doom of losing Dirk Nowitzki to retirement, you have shown that life after Dirk may just be livable.

Next: Why the Mavericks Rough Start May Not be a Problem

We hope to have you here in Dallas for a long time and look forward to many more great games and jersey sales as time goes on. You’ve got fans for life, Mr. Barnes. Thank you.

Sincerely,

A Fan