Dallas Mavericks: Harrison Barnes ranks 59 in SI’s Top 100

Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes checks in at 59th in Sports Illustrated’s Top 100 NBA Players countdown for 2019.

The Dallas Mavericks signed forward Harrison Barnes away from the Golden State Warriors in 2016.  Barnes has blossomed in his time with the Mavs.  He averaged 19.0 points per game over his two seasons in Dallas.  Barnes has the led the team in scoring both years.

Barnes turned 26 in May and figures to again be a focal point of the offense.  The additions of Luka Doncic and DeAndre Jordan could create a few more wide open looks for him.  That should increase his efficiency even if it causes his field goals attempts to decrease slightly.

SI Top 100 players for 2019

Sports Illustrated released the first part of their annual Top 100 NBA Players list on Sept. 10.  Harrison Barnes ranked at 59.  You can check out their full countdown here.

Last year, Barnes ranked 49 on their list.  The drop-off was not warranted in this case.  Barnes is still in his prime with a better supporting cast around this season.  He figures to only see more open shots and increase his efficiency in the coming campaign.

Barnes flies under the radar because he is not flashy and is not a feature in the highlights every night.  He gets his points and plays above average defense at both forward spots.  SI had Barnes pegged correctly inside the top 50 players last year, but they made an error in dropping him ten spots.

Final thoughts

The Dallas Mavericks leading scoring for the last two seasons Harrison Barnes ranked at 59 in Sports Illustrated’s Top 100 NBA Players of 2019 list.

Barnes figures to play a crucial role in the Mavs success this season.  The team is expecting improvements, but making the playoffs may be slightly out of reach.  It will be worth monitoring how Barnes adapts to the new players and where the Mavs sit in the final standing this season.  Stay tuned.

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