Dallas Mavericks: 10 Positives From the 2016-17 Season

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Mar 23, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) celebrates with forward Harrison Barnes (40) during the second half against the LA Clippers at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

4.) The Rise of Harrison Barnes

When Kevin Durant picked Golden State and the Dallas Mavericks handed Harrison Barnes a max contract, many people in Dallas piled on with the hate for giving Barnes the money.

But in his first season in Dallas, Barnes went above and beyond proving everyone wrong in his abilities. People said he couldn’t be a one-on-one scorer, he was that. People said he couldn’t take guys off the dribble, he did that.

Dallas watched Barnes come in and truly give them hope for the future both in his game, work ethic, and personality.

Barnes came up three games short (ones he could have played in if Dallas didn’t miss the playoffs) from playing all 82 games. He finished the season averaging just over 19 points a game on 46% shooting.

He exceeded expectations and should keep growing as a player…and he’s just 24 years old.

Next: Curry Next Step