Dallas Mavericks: J.J. Barea to play for Puerto Rico on Sept. 14

Dallas Mavericks point guard J.J. Barea will play for the Puerto Rico National Team in their upcoming World Cup qualifier against Panama on Sept. 14.

The Dallas Mavericks are entering their tenth season with J.J. Barea filling primarily a bench role for the team.  He averaged a career-high 6.3 assists per game last season.  Barea continues to improve his play even at age 34.

He is on the final year of his deal.  Barea is set to be an unrestricted free agent after the season, but his future with the Mavs likely depends on his decision.  Dallas drafted Jalen Brunson as the heir apparent to Barea’s role as the backup point guard, but fans know the Mavs organization is loyal to their veterans.

Barea will likely finish his career with the Mavericks.  Expect at least a few more productive seasons out of him in Dallas.

Playing for his other team

J.J. Barea announced on his Instagram that he will be playing for the Puerto Rico National Team in their upcoming World Cup qualifier.  They face Panama on Sept. 14 in Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico has won four of their six qualification games so far.  Barea leads the team in assists and rebounds per game at this juncture.

Barea has immense pride for his country and has done a massive amount to help them.  Expect plenty of excitement from the veteran point guard as he looks to lead his team to victory on Saturday.

Final thoughts

J.J. Barea is playing for the Puerto Rico National Team this weekend.  The Dallas Mavericks begin training camp in less than ten days, and this contest should have no impact on Barea’s preparation for the upcoming season.

Expect him to reprise a similar role to the previous two seasons.  Barea will handle the ball plenty with that second unit that was so effective last season.

The Mavs added one of the best rebounding centers in DeAndre Jordan and a nightmare offensive matchup in Luka Doncic to help the starting unit to perform as well as the bench.  Expect those two players to help Barea become more efficient on offense too.  Another plus for what should be a vastly improved Dallas Mavericks squad this season.

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