First things first: Barea says that “Dallas is my second home, man. It’s just special.” This was spoken as one of the “all-time fan favorites” (though an undrafted rookie) looked back on a Championship, 11 great and fun seasons, countless unforgettable memories, and numerous high spots in the Mavericks Record Books.
He is as a veteran of 14 NBA years, 36 years young, and hoping to sign on with another team who “needs what he brings” and then to later come back to coach with the Mavericks and mentor young players—and old ones if they need it!
Right now Barea is “odd man out” on a team with 16 players wanting to fill 15 roster spots. The Mavericks need “youth” and needed to find more minutes to give experience to their backcourt players as they fill in their final spots, and J. J. cannot provide the youth—but the team can distribute his minutes! (Apparently, former coach, Avery Johnson came up with the “J. J.” nickname from the real name of “JOSE JUAN.”)
J. J. Barea is the only Dallas Mavericks player to be chosen for the N. B. A.’s prestigious “J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award,” and he apparently ends his career here in Dallas as 5th in games played (637), 7th in three-pointers (596), and 8th in assists (2,441)—and some say he is first in loudest and “standingest” ovations in the American Airlines Center. Some of the things I have always noticed about this player are his Community ties and service to others!
So what did Mark Cuban do that is so good? Well, the owner of the Dallas Mavericks awarded J. J. Barea with a contract, even though he knew there was almost no possibility his veteran guard would not be “given his release” before the season really gets started. The $2.6 Million deal was such a nice gesture and shows the meaning of a “Maverick for Life.” Cuban wanted to reward Barea for his impact in and on Dallas his 11 years here, and this just proves again that this owner treats his players well. So many former “Mavs” have stated that they love playing for the Dallas organization from “top-to-bottom.”
So, here’s to you both—J. J. Barea and Mark Cuban!
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