Dallas Mavericks veteran power forward Dirk Nowitzki spoke highly of Mavericks newcomer Harrison Barnes in an interview on 105.3 The Fan (Transcribed by Mavs Moneyball):
I think the sky’s the limit for him. I think he’s an athletic guy, he’s got a lot of potential. And what I love the most — and I haven’t been here much, obviously — but I heard he’s an absolute workhorse. He’s in the gym all day, all night. He’s going back every night to shoot with the development guys. He’s there early in the morning working out with the coaches. I’m excited to hear that. A guy that puts in the work usually always succeeds. I’m pulling for him. I’ve only spent a couple days around him now. I really like him. He’s a good kid, he’s mild-mannered, he’s soft-spoken, and just wants to work and wants to get better. I’m excited for him. I told him, first thing when we started texting this summer, I said ‘Hey, get ready for a big year. I’m here to support you wherever I can and help you out on the court, off the court, whatever you need.’
ESPN’s Tim MacMahon added another quote from Nowitzki on Barnes:
“I think he wants and he has the work ethic to develop into a great all-around player. I already heard all summer long whenever he was here, he’s in the gym all the time. A lot of guys come here, sign here or get traded here and they’re telling me they’re gym rats, but I haven’t really seen many in my 18 years, but he’s the one guy that walks the walk. He’s there in the morning, we’re working out with the guys, he goes back at night and he wants to get better.”
The Mavs’ signing of Harrison Barnes was interesting. We’ve seen them take a gamble on a talented, yet semi-unproven wing in the past (Chandler Parsons), and now they’re trying it again with Barnes. Barnes definitely has talent — he’s very athletic, and is a good shooter. It will be interesting to see whether or not he’s ready for the sort of large role that he will be placed in in Dallas.
