A Glimpse Into the Dallas Mavericks Future

By Sam Casey
Jan 20, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) watches his team take on the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeat the Timberwolves 106-94. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) watches his team take on the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeat the Timberwolves 106-94. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
Oct 28, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes (40) drives to the basket against the Houston Rockets during the first half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 28, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes (40) drives to the basket against the Houston Rockets during the first half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Harrison Barnes and Wesley Matthews Will Need to Play Big Roles

There were many differing opinions on whether Barnes deserved the 4 year, $94 million dollar contract he signed with the Mavs this offseason, regardless though the expectations are high for the Black Falcon in Dallas. Wesley Matthews is another guy who both fans and the front office have high hopes for as he was underwhelming in his first season as a Maverick.

It’s interesting because both of these players are in a similar situation where they are both reliably good defenders, but just how big an impact they can have on the offensive end is where the question marks lie. Both players left talented teams where they weren’t primary scoring options and came to Dallas where they would see an expanded role.

They have fared decently so far, with Barnes setting a new career high in points in Game 2 and Matthews putting on a show in Game 3. These two young Mavericks have shown that the potential to be great scorers is there, but they aren’t at the point where Dallas can consistently rely on them to score a lot.

They are already growing into and learning just how to be offensive focal points, however the pressure isn’t on too heavy as Dirk is still a deadly scoring threat, when he is healthy. Whenever Dirk is gone, the Mavs will need Barnes and Matthews to carry the load.

Whether they are ready or not, in two(ish) years they will be asked to put up big numbers and be the number one and two scoring options for the Dallas Mavericks.

Next: There Will Be a Learning Curve Finding Success

facebooktwitterreddit