Dallas Mavericks: J.J. Barea shows off his flex during a workout

Dallas Mavericks point guard J.J. Barea shows off his flex during his workout on July 3

The Dallas Mavericks started mandatory workouts at their practice facility on July 1. It was the unofficial kickoff of the NBA’s restart. Every player has been hitting the gym for individual work. The Mavs are not able to have full team practices until they arrive in Orlando.

Dallas has their starting lineup set, but there is one important rotation battle taking place during training camp 2.0. Jalen Brunson had shoulder surgery days after the NBA suspended play in March. He is not healthy enough to play in Orlando. That opens up the backup point guard role.

J.J. Barea will be battling it out with the newly signed Trey Burke for the minutes. Burke is replacing Willie Cauley-Stein after he opted out of the restart.

Barea is no stranger to that role. Expect him to have the inside track going in. Coach Rick Carlisle could play Barea and Burke together for stretches too. The 35-year-old will be a key piece for the Mavericks during NBA Disney.

See Dallas Mavericks legend J.J. Barea flexing at the practice facility on July 3

The Mavs are keeping fans in the loop since reporters are not allowed at the practice facility. They have set up a daily virtual press conference. The team is posting plenty of photos and videos on social media too. They struck gold again on Friday with this post of Barea flexing.

Hopefully, fans got a chuckle out of the clip. Barea looks ready for NBA Orlando.

Fans could see the best version of J.J. during the restart. He was still getting his legs under him for most of the season after recovering from an Achilles tear and subsequent surgery in Jan. 2019. Barea should be back to full strength for Orlando.

The 35-year-old’s experience will be key too. Barea won a ring with the Mavericks in 2011. He has 49 playoff games under his belt. With Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis getting their first crack in the postseason, Barea’s leadership and wisdom become more valuable. The Mavs legend will be a key piece in Orlando. There is no denying that.