Dallas Mavericks: Mid-Season Forward Grades

We just have to start off with the biggest addition from this past offseason, Harrison Barnes. Barnes has been a beast in so many ways for the Mavericks this year that I think that I’ve lost count.

HB has earned an A+ for the season thus far. Barnes went from averaging around 12 points per game with the Golden State Warriors to over 20 with the Mavs. His rebounding, steals, blocks, and, somehow, field goal percentage have all increased from last season to this one as well.

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Even more noticeable than his huge rise in numbers has got to be his clutch play this year. Barnes has been the go-to guy for the Mavs all season, hitting late buckets and having the ball in his hands with the clock winding down. Clutch play is something that is incredibly hard to develop and Barnes did it in no time.

A big reason for his being able to do so is the amount of work he puts in at the gym every single day. Harrison Barnes has respect from players all over the league because all he is interested in is playing ball. Never a talker, or big-headed, just a cool head that plays his game night in and night out.

That is the kind of player the Mavs have needed and one that will play a big role for Dallas in the future of the franchise.

Next: Wesley Matthews