Dallas Mavericks: J.J. Barea ready to practice as camp opens

Dallas Mavericks point guard J.J. Barea will open training camp practicing with the team, but the veteran could see additional rest days. Get the detail here.

Dallas Mavericks fans are excited that NBA basketball is back. The team held Media Day on Monday, but now the work begins. They will be practicing all week in preparation for their preseason opener on Oct. 8.

Mavericks supporters got a ton of quotes and juicy tidbits from Media Day. Coach Carlisle also updated fans on the health status of all the players.

J.J. Barea is recovering from a torn Achilles. That is one of the most devastating injuries in basketball. The news was positive on Barea, though. Here is what Carlisle had to say courtesy of Eddie Sefko.

That was followed up by this nugget from Dwain Price.

Barea is entering his 14th NBA season. The 35-year-old point guard needs practice time to gel with his new teammates, but he does not need to be grinding every day. If the Mavs make the playoffs, Barea must be healthy for the long haul. There is no need to push him during training camp.

J.J. was playing fantastic at the time of his injury last season. He averaged 10.9 points and 5.6 assists in 19.8 minutes per game. Will the injury limit him? Most players struggle with their jumper in the first year back from Achilles tear. That is something to monitor this season.

The crunch for playing time is real as well. Jalen Brunson filled in admirably after Barea went down. The second-year pro will be in direct competition with the veteran for minutes. It will be interesting to see how Coach Carlisle divides the playing time.

Dallas Mavericks fans should return often because The Smoking Cuban will have plenty more from Media Day plus analysis on the team all season.