NBA: Ranking the top 10 small forwards entering 2017-18

CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 09: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors speak after a foul in the third quarter in Game 4 of the 2017 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 9, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 01: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Dallas Mavericks prepares for their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on December 1, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

10. Harrison Barnes, Dallas Mavericks

After what a lot of people labeled as an “embarrassing” NBA Finals performance in Golden State during the 2016 season, Barnes seeked a fresh start in Dallas last summer and made the most of it. His production didn’t result in wins, but his 19.2 points and five rebounds per game lands him as a top 10 small forward in the NBA.

At just 24 years old, Harrison has a long ways to go when talking about developing his game, but has made big strides in 2017. His scoring and ability to make plays off the dribble has grown leaps and bounds due to his new role as a Mav.

Back in the day (2015), Harrison would post up in the corner like a guy at the bar trying to pick up chicks until the shot clock ran down . Steph would either heave up a 30 footer or make an easy pass to Barnes for a corner three. The extent of his role as a Warrior was a spot up shooter who barely had the ball in his hands.

Now, in Dallas, he has the ball much more due to the fact that the Mavs switched point guards five times last season. Barnes was the Mavericks leading scorer last year by a landslide. The next closest contributor was Wes Matthews with six fewer points per game. Dennis Smith Jr. should help a lot with the scoring load and playmaking next season, but look for Harrison’s gameplay to result in more wins this season.

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