Dallas Mavericks: J.J. Barea will be the X factor for the team in the playoffs

Dallas Mavericks legend J.J. Barea could be the team’s X factor in the playoffs

The Dallas Mavericks are gearing up for the NBA’s restart. They are in the middle of training camp 2.0 in Orlando. The games that count begin for the Mavs on July 31. They face the Rockets in a critical contest in the Western Conference standings.

The Mavericks will be in the playoffs. They are fighting to move up during the eight seeding games in Orlando. No team wants to finish seventh and face the LA Clippers in the opening round of the playoffs. The Mavs will be dangerous in the postseason regardless of the matchup.

J.J. Barea is the only player on the roster with a ring. He was a member of the Mavericks 2011 championship team. The veteran will play an important role this time around too.

J.J. Barea could be the X factor for the Dallas Mavericks in the playoffs

Barea only played in 26 games before the NBA suspended play back in March. He was used sparingly as Jalen Brunson took over as the team’s backup point guard. Barea showed he still had a lot left in the tank in his limited minutes, though.

Brunson will not play in the restart. He had shoulder surgery in March and is finishing his rehab in Dallas. That means the backup point guard minutes are open. The Mavs signed Trey Burke, but Barea is likely to take the job.

Let us take a look at why J.J. Barea will fill that role and the importance of those minutes during NBA Disney.

Next: Why Barea will play