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

Why J.J. Barea will be the Dallas Mavericks backup point guard during the restart

The Mavs will need a steady hand when Luka Doncic heads to the bench in Orlando. Every game is paramount. Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle will want someone that can run the second unit and keep the Mavs elite offense rolling. J.J. Barea has done that his entire career.

The 36-year-old is an outstanding pick and roll ball handler. He showed it again in the Mavericks scrimmage against the Pacers on July 26. Barea had 14 points, six rebounds, and six assists in 24 minutes of action. All six dimes came off pick and roll situations.

Everybody knows what they are going to get from a healthy J.J. Barea. His basketball IQ, leadership, and offense skill set have done wonders for the Mavericks since 2006.

Coach Carlisle had this to say about Barea’s role in the restart after practice on July 27.

"“J.J. is going to need to be ready to play every single game. He is one of the leaders of our team regardless of his playing time. He has had a very good camp. He did good things in the game (against Indiana). He is a very important guy on our team. We need everybody, but he is important in a lot of ways. Not just playing because he has such an impact in our locker room and as a leader.”"

His leadership is one of the many ways Barea will be an X factor in the playoffs, but his time on the court will be massive too. Let us take a look at why his playing time will be key for the Dallas Mavericks during NBA Disney.

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