Dallas Mavericks Outlook: Over/Under on ESPN Projections?

By Paul Wang

Oct 9, 2017

DALLAS, TX - MARCH 7: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks high fives with a fan after the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 7, 2017 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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SACRAMENTO, CA – APRIL 4: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots the ball against the Sacramento Kings during the game on April 4, 2017 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. Harrison Barnes

"FG% FT% 3PM REB AST STL BLK PTS 2016-2017 Statistics .468 .861 1.0 5.0 1.5 0.8 0.2 19.2 ESPN 2018 Projections .450 .819 1.4 5.8 1.7 0.9 0.2 16.2"

Starting off the list, Barnes takes a sizable dip in PPG and FT% in ESPN’s projections.

Widely under-appreciated since disappointing in the 2015-16 Finals, Harrison has seen his name prominently featured on multiple “worst contract lists” (Thankfully he’s not as sensitive as his replacement in Golden State).

However, a legion of Mavericks fans and writers have his back. While he’s far from perfect (low FTs, limited handles and playmaking), he has absolutely exceeded expectations by posting an efficient 19.2/5/1.5 stat line during his first season as a Maverick.

With Dirk vouching for his strong work ethic and one year under his belt as a primary scoring option, Barnes should turn more heads this year as he continues to improve. Unless Dennis Smith Jr. comes out the gate posting rookie Dame numbers, it is hard to fathom Barnes averaging less than 18 PPG this season.

Verdict: OVER

Next: Dennis Smith Jr.