Why the Dallas Mavericks Rough Start May Not Be a Problem

By Sam Casey

Nov 22, 2016

Nov 18, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Wesley Matthews (23) and forward Harrison Barnes (40) and guard Seth Curry (30) check the scoreboard during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at the American Airlines Center. The Grizzlies defeat the Mavericks 80-64. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 21, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks small forward Harrison Barnes (40) shoots the ball as San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) defends during the second half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

Harrison Barnes is Learning How to Be The Man

When Dallas signed Barnes to a max contract, many fans had doubt that he could earn that paycheck. He was never asked to be the focal point of a team, and rumor had it that he would struggle to fill that role.

13 games into the season, the Black Falcon has silenced the naysayers. Barnes is averaging 20.8 points on 46% shooting , plus is adding 6 rebounds per game. With Dirk Nowitzki being sidelined for 10 games this season, Barnes has been tasked with carrying the load.

Without D-Will, JJ Barea, and Dirk the Black Falcon has been the first look offensively nearly every time down the floor. He hasn’t performed quite well enough to earn the Mavs some more wins, but he has done a solid job leading this Dallas squad to some very winnable contests. The longer that he is asked to put the team on his back, the lighter they will feel day in day out. The Mavs injury problem has been a blessing in disguise, as Barnes is learning on the fly how to carry a team.

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