Dallas Mavericks: J.J. Barea is in the gym getting ready for the season

Dallas Mavericks stalwart J.J. Barea is back in Dallas and showing off his hard work in the gym via his Instagram page.

The Dallas Mavericks and J.J. Barea are entering their tenth season together.  The Mavs signed Barea in 2006 after he went undrafted and he departed after securing the NBA title in 2011.  JJ returned in 2014 and continues to be Dallas’ spark plug off the bench.

The Mavericks are expecting a similar role and production from J.J. Barea this season.  Barea averaged career-highs in points (11.6) and assists (6.3) per game last season.  He has shined the last three years in Rick Carlisle’s system.  Barea just turned 34 in June, but do not expect to see him slowing down.

Preparing for the season

Most of the Mavs players are in Dallas and beginning to get ready for the coming season.  The team does not officially start training camp until Sept. 21, though.

J.J. Barea posted a series of pictures to his Instagram on Aug. 29 of him working out in Dallas.  You can take a look at the post here.

Expect him to be in shape and ready to go by late September.

Added responsibility this season

Experts believe that the Dallas Mavericks drafted J.J. Barea’s direct replacement this offseason.  Rookie point guard Jalen Brunson is the man to fill his shoes after retirement.  Brunson is coming off three stellar seasons at Villanova in which the Wildcats won two NCAA championships.

Expect Barea to take on a mentorship role with Brunson this season.  He will teach him how to be a backup point guard in the NBA.  It is the perfect situation for two extremely talented players to take part in.  Keep an eye on Brunson’s development all season long.

Final thoughts

J.J. Barea is back with the Dallas Mavericks and working hard to get ready for the season.  It will be interesting to see if Barea’s role changes any given the addition of Luka Doncic and Brunson this offseason.  Doncic can handle the ball and pass like a point guard, so perhaps he steals a few touches away from Barea.  That is something to keep an eye on during the regular season.

The Mavs will also likely want to get Brunson some minutes this season and that figures to be at the expense of Barea.

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