Local legends assemble: J.J. Barea returns to the Mavericks / News - Basketnews.com

After playing for 11 seasons in Dallas, J.J. Barea is returning to the team, The Dallas Morning News reports. Though his role with the team has not been clearly defined yet, he should serve as an unofficial assistant-coach, Brad Townsend reports.

Jose Barea

Position:PGAge:37Height:183 cmWeight:79 kgBirth place:Mayaguez, Puerto RicoProfileNewsStatistics

"I’m going to be involved, and I’m definitely excited," Barea said.

The 1.78 m retired point guard spent 11 of his 14 NBA seasons in Dallas. He helped the Mavericks win the NBA championship in 2011 and became the third member of that team to join the Mavs' staff after retirement, with Dirk Nowitzki having a special adviser role and Jason Kid working as the head coach.

Barea averaged 8.9 points and 3.9 assists during his career. The 37-year-old stepped away from playing in the NBA after the 2019-20 season. During his last press conference, the Puerto Rican spoke highly about Dallas.

"Dallas is my second home, man. It’s just special, man. It’s the happiest place that I’ve ever played basketball."

Barea started last season with Movistar Estudiantes of the Spanish Liga ACB and finished it in Puerto Rico with Cangrejeros de Santurce. He averaged 12.6 points, 4.7 assists, 1.6 rebounds, and 9.2 PIR over 22.3 minutes in Spain last year.

Like what we are doing? Support us by becoming BN+ member.