Dallas Mavericks: Harrison Barnes impressed by Luka Doncic

Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes interviewed on The Jump on Sept. 13 and dropped significant praise on rookie Luka Doncic.

The Dallas Mavericks were led in scoring each of the last two seasons by Harrison Barnes.  Barnes is entering his seventh NBA season at age 26.  He signed with Dallas in 2016 to be their go-to player and building block for the future.

The Mavs traded up to draft Luka Doncic to aid Barnes in their mission to return to the playoffs.  The rookie is only 19 but has four years of professional experience for Real Madrid.  Doncic figures to enter the Mavericks starting five from day one.  What will he produce, though?

Early returns could not be more positive.  Dirk Nowitzki had some hefty praise for Luka this week.  That was in line with what Coach Carlisle and J.J. Barea had to say a few days earlier.

Barnes joins in on the praise

Harrison Barnes appeared on ESPN’s The Jump on Sept. 13 to talk about a host of different topics.  You can see his entire interview here.

Barnes had more massive praise for Doncic at the end of his interview.  He raved about his passing and playmaking ability.  The Slovenian youngster is clearly a special talent, and Mavs fans should be excited to see him take the court this season.

HB believes playoffs are possible

Barnes also stated on The Jump that he thinks Dallas can make the playoffs.  It would be their first postseason appearance since 2016.  Barnes has never made the postseason as a Maverick.  He won a ring with Golden State in 2015, though.

The Mavs are hoping to make a deep playoff run in the coming seasons.  Dallas has not made it past the first round of the postseason since they won the championship in 2011.  They also have only made it to the second round or further in two of the last 12 seasons.

Hopefully, the young core of Doncic, Barnes, and Dennis Smith Jr. can return the Mavericks to the playoffs and sent them on a deep postseason run.

Final thoughts

Harrison Barnes became the third Dallas Mavericks player to heap significant praise on Luka Doncic since his arrival in Dallas on Sept. 4.  The team has plenty of excitement for Doncic’s game and fans should too.  Training camp is under a week away, so stay tuned.

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