Dallas Mavericks: J.J. Barea hopeful to play in 2019 FIBA World Cup

Dallas Mavericks guard J.J. Barea wants to represent Puerto Rico in the 2019 FIBA World Cup, but his injury may prevent him. Find out the latest.

Dallas Mavericks fans adore J.J. Barea. Following Dirk Nowitzki’s retirement, Barea is the last member of the Mavs 2011 championship team still in their uniform. He also won over the fans with his spectacular play and constant effort.

Barea’s season ended in the worst way, though. He tore his Achilles on Jan. 11. The injury limited him to just 38 games in his 13th NBA season. Barea turns 35 in June and is coming back from one of the most difficult injuries in basketball.

He has been counted out his entire life. Do not do it here. Barea is determined to not only be ready for training camp but has his sights set on playing this summer. Here is the latest.

Barea hoping to play in World Cup

The 2019 FIBA World Cup takes place from Aug. 31 to Sept. 15 in China. 32 national teams have qualified for the prestigious event. J.J. Barea helped led his Puerto Rico squad to the event. They are in Group C with Spain, Iran, and Salah Mejri’s Tunisia.

Barea wants to play in the World Cup. Here are Tim MacMahon’s tweets breaking the news.

J.J. Barea hopes to play for Puerto Rico in the World Cup, which begins Aug. 31, less than eight months after he ruptured his right Achilles' tendon. "The way I feel right now, it looks pretty good," Barea told ESPN. "But I'm not going to make a decision until it gets closer."
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) June 3, 2019

Barea has been in touch with former teammate Wesley Matthews, who return from his Achilles tear in less than eight months. Barea hopes to be able to play 10-15 minutes per game for Puerto Rico in what will likely be his last World Cup.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) June 3, 2019

It would be a miraculous comeback if Barea can take part in this event. Achilles injuries are notoriously difficult and have ended talented player’s careers. It looks like a strong possibility that J.J. is back playing in the 2019 FIBA World Cup.

Mavericks fans are hopeful he is healthy enough to participate. That would be a positive sign for his ability to be on the court next season. Barea was playing the best basketball of his career before suffering the heartbreaking injury. The Mavs want him leading their second unit on opening night.

Final thoughts

Dallas Mavericks legend J.J. Barea wants to play in the 2019 FIBA World Cup. He has done a lot for his home country and loves representing them during FIBA play. Barea will be a massive part of Puerto Rico’s qualifying for the Olympics in 2020 as well.

The point guard is technically a free agent this offseason. Nobody expects Barea to sign with another team, though. He will help out the Mavs by waiting until they have made their moves in free agency before inking his deal. That allows Dallas to maximize their cap space. Fans should expect to see Barea healthy on opening night and back in a Mavericks uniform.

Next. 10 best free agent fits for the Mavs

The Smoking Cuban will be covering all the Dallas Mavericks in the 2019 FIBA World Cup plus all the free agency content this offseason, so keep it locked to the site.

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