Dallas Mavericks: 3 Reasons to Stay Positive

By Isaac Harris

Nov 15, 2016

Nov 6, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Wesley Matthews (23) celebrates with center Andrew Bogut (6) and guard Justin Anderson (right) after scoring in overtime against the Milwaukee Bucks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 6, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes (40) shoots past Milwaukee Bucks guard Matthew Dellavedova (8) during the first half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

1.) Harrison Barnes is Exceeding Expectations

After receiving much criticism over the summer, Harrison Barnes has put the past behind him as he is exceeding all expectations in his first year in Dallas.

Through the first nine games of the season, Barnes is averaging over 22 points and 6 rebounds a game on 49% shooting. Nobody, even in Dallas, expected Barnes to take this big of a leap in his career this early on in the season.

Yes, the Nowitzki has hurt the Mavericks, but the emergence of Harrison Barnes has been a result of that. Imagine if the Mavericks were 2-7 with Harrison Barnes struggling like he did in the preseason…that would be depressing.

Barnes gives the fans a bright spot in a glooming start to the season. But, more importantly, he gives the organization a cornerstone piece they look to build around.

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