Harrison Barnes is going through a tough season with the Dallas Mavericks. In an interview with SPOX/DAZN he spoke about his role as leader, his goals and the German Mavs duo from Würzburg.
SPOX/DAZN: Mr. Barnes, victory over the Bucks must have been liberating. How do you feel?
Harrison Barnes: Good! We’ve already had a few close matches in which we’ve gotten the short end of the stick. That’s why it feels so much better to have finally won.
SPOX/DAZN: Most recently, the third quarter was often the problem. Why did it work better today?
Barnes: We have managed to remain permanently committed today. In the end, we often had phases in which we allowed the opponent to get into rhythm and start runs. We prevented that this time.
SPOX/DAZN: Nevertheless, you are not doing particularly well at this time of the season. How do you assess the team’s situation?
Barnes: We’ve shown a lot of good basketball lately. If we stick to that and stay focused, I’m not worried.
SPOX/DAZN: What are your personal goals for the season?
Barnes: I want to improve in three areas in particular: rebounding, efficiency in closing and playmaking.
SPOX/DAZN: You were already team top scorer in your first Mavs season. Do you already consider yourself leader – on and off the field?
Barnes: I’m not a man of many words. Instead, I try to set a good example and find my place as leader. Then I might also be able to take the next step in terms of communication. This may not be my nature, but it can still develop.
SPOX/DAZN: What can you learn from Dirk in this respect?
Barnes: That you always have to work hard. He invests so much in the game during his entire career – otherwise he wouldn’t be there after such a long time. It’s a lot to look at.
SPOX/DAZN: How would you describe the relationship with him?
Barnes: You never know what to expect from him. Sometimes he tells such wild things – anyone who has something to do with him can confirm that.
SPOX/DAZN: Do you have an example?
Barnes: I can’t say that on camera. But we all know he’s got a big heart and takes care of everything.
SPOX/DAZN: How would you describe his legacy here in Dallas? He’s now playing his 20. seasonal
Barnes: He made Dallas relevant, brought the Mavs the first championship. He is a Hall of Famer and ranks sixth in the All-Time Scorer. And the special thing about it: He achieved it all here, he was always loyal. Not many people can say that. The current generation is one that often changes teams. He, on the other hand, is something like the last of his kind, that’s for sure.
SPOX/DAZN: Do you want to achieve the same thing one day?
Barnes: I’ve changed teams before, so I’m out of this category. But I can try to work as hard as he does and keep improving me to make the Mavs win.
SPOX/DAZN: Maxi Kleber is another German member of the team. What do you think of him?
Barnes: He is definitely the most athletic player from Würzburg with us, that’s for sure. He’s great and doing a good job so far. And of course it’s great for him to play with his idol in a team that comes from the same city as him.
SPOX/DAZN: How does Dennis Smith Jr. from your point of view so far? Are you surprised by him?
Barnes: Not at all. He’s always been flashing up what he’s capable of. This was already known around the draft and it was also seen in the Summer League as well as in the training camp. He’s doing great.
SPOX/DAZN: Do you have any advice for him?
Barnes: The best thing for him is to suck up everything around him and learn from it. Much is new to him – the number of games, the strain on the body. He will experience many highs and lows as a rookie. But he has the opportunity to get a lot of minutes with us. He has to use that and play it free.
SPOX/DAZN: You personally got to know the business side of the NBA in summer 2016. Someone who was and is in a similar situation is Nerlens Noel. How do you assess his situation?
Barnes: He bet on himself. Now it’s about staying healthy, working hard and being there when you have a chance. Whether this is here or on another team.