Mavericks Countdown: 70 Days Until Opening Night

The countdown continues, 70 days until the Mavericks open the season in Phoenix on Oct. 28

“The Mavericks have agreed to terms with J.J. Barea on a four-year deal worth $16 million.” With every word that went by my eyebrows elevated just a little bit more.

Barea is absolutely overpaid, but there’s no denying his impact last season for the Mavericks, especially following Rajon Rondo’s dismissal during the first round of the playoffs when Dallas was able to at least make things interesting.

And as we continue our countdown to opening night, now 70 days away, we’re focusing on the Puerto Rican point guard’s 70 turnovers in 2014-15.

At first glance the number might not mean much. Okay, Barea appeared in 77 games for the Mavericks in 2014-15, so it was fewer than one a game. Cool.

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But when compared to his assist total for the Mavericks last season the number begins to take a little more meaning. Barea dished out 263 assists last year, giving him an assist/turnover ratio of 3.76.

That’s a superb number, and one that ranked third in the entire league behind Chris Paul and Ty Lawson.

Barea played fewer minutes per game last season than he had since his second year in the league, but figures to be a larger part of the rotation at both guard spots in 2015-16.

A lot of the Mavericks’ success on the offensive end last year came because they did a good job taking care of the ball – 4th fewest turnovers per game in the league – and this year’s squad has the potential to be even more lethal with the abundance of three-point shooting on the roster.

If they are, Barea and his sure-handedness will have a lot to do with it.

There are still 70 days left to opening night, but relive some of his highlights from last season to help pass the time.

Next: Will a Mavs Center average 7 rebounds?

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