Dallas Mavericks: Harrison Barnes will play at any position

The Dallas Mavericks have utilized Harrison Barnes as a small-ball power forward for years and are likely to do the same again this year. For HB, it is just business as usual.

Rumors of Harrison Barnes disliking his time at the power forward position have been around for a while now, but the Dallas Mavericks have continued to use him there since signing him. This year, all that could change as Dallas has added the European sensation, Luka Doncic, who is big enough to fill in as a small ball 4.

It seems like the logical way to use Luka defensively is to match him up at the power forward spot. Barnes apparently didn’t like playing there because of the wear and tear it put on his body battling bigs all the time. That could be a concern with Luka as well, although I think he will be in great shape this year.

When Barnes was asked about what position he thought he would be playing this year or which position he wanted to be playing, he said that the position doesn’t bother him too much.

That answer really stuck out to me. After hearing these rumors all the time about how HB wants to be a traditional small forward, he has either had a change of heart or the rumors were a bit overblown to begin with. My money is on the latter.

This is an important thing for the Mavs because it shows a couple different things. Whether Barnes was unhappy with his position or not over the last few years, this answer still shows that he is happy with the vision of this team going forward. Barnes is willing to do what it takes so that the Mavs can have more success.

It also shows that Barnes is a mature player that will do what it takes to make the team better and maximize his abilities on the court. That maturity is going to be extra important this year as he will be a key leader for many of the young guys on the roster.

This should be a great season for Harrison Barnes, who will likely be transitioning from the star player to a key support guy over the next couple years. Now we just wait to see what position that transition will take place in.