Dallas Mavericks release veteran point guard J.J. Barea
The Dallas Mavericks bid a tough farewell to J.J. Barea on Thursday, when the franchise announced the expected release of the veteran point guard. The organization anticipated releasing Barea when it signed him to a one-year veterans minimum deal last month. His signing brought 16 players on a roster–one over the NBA limit. It's safe […]
The Dallas Mavericks bid a tough farewell to J.J. Barea on Thursday, when the franchise announced the expected release of the veteran point guard.
The organization anticipated releasing Barea when it signed him to a one-year veterans minimum deal last month. His signing brought 16 players on a roster–one over the NBA limit.
It's safe to say that the organization wanted to reward Barea for his dedication, and loyalty to it throughout the years. Moreover, the organization's act highlights just what Barea meant to Dallas and its fans.
Mark Cuban gave the pride of Puerto Rico a 2.6 million dollar thank you, showing that in sports–it's not all business.
What Barea meant to Dallas:
Barea, a 5-10 guard who, for Dallas, played tougher than anyone else on the floor. In the 2011 NBA finals, Rick Carlisle trusted him to start against the Miami Heat, and his efforts on the floor proved critical to the Mavericks' success in the series. He was an x-factor in games that featured Hall of Famers such as Dirk Nowitzki, LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh.
In games five and six of the 2011 finals, Barea averaged 16 points per game and five assists. He was a difference-maker on the floor, oftentimes forcing Miami's defense to collapse as it struggled to contain his reckless drives to the basket. Barea helped bring Dallas it's only championship ring, and the fans will always remember that.
What Dallas meant to Barea:
Dallas is home for Barea. And with that time coming to an end, the emotions involved are chalked full of good memories and past successes. Barea told ESPN reporter Tim MacMahon that Dallas is his second home away from Puerto Rico.
"It's just special, man. It's the happiest place that I ever played basketball," Barea said in MacMahon's report. "In the future, I would love to come back and help this team again. My goal is to coach at the highest level, and I know I will be great, especially here in Dallas. I definitely want to play this year, take a break after with the family and enjoy my kids, but I want to stay around the game."
Barea staying around the game, post-playing career won't be in question. He is a hoops lifer. Though he never was the tallest on the floor, he always played with the most heart, zeal, and love for the game. That is something teams don't just find anywhere. It's exactly what made Barea special.
What is the goal for this season:
Barea still wants to play NBA basketball this season. That should come as no surprise, he's a fighter. He tore his Achilles and didn't give up on the game, getting cut in training camp won't deter him now.
In a limited role, last season Barea averaged 7.7 points per game and 3.9 assists in 15 minutes a game. He appeared in 29 games for the Mavs and was a strong leader for the team throughout the year. He mentored players like Luka Dončić and other young players on the team, and his presence in the locker room will be felt going forward.
Barea could bold well for a championship contender looking to bolster the bench or a young team in need of guidance as it grows together. Regardless, his game is still valuable to NBA franchises.
The Mavericks are headed in a younger direction, but Barea's impact on the team will remain a part of this organization for a lifetime.
Feature image via David Berding-USA TODAY Sports
