Dallas Mavericks: Top 5 sidekicks of Dirk Nowitzki’s career

Dallas Mavericks GOAT Dirk Nowitzki’s top sidekick: 3. J.J. Barea

J.J. Barea joined the team at the start of the 2006-2007 season as an undrafted free agent. Barea was a crucial part of the Mavericks 2011 championship team. He shifted to starting in the finals and sparked the Mavs. His play in games five and six helped Dallas bring home the title.

He departed in free agency after that season only to return in 2014. In total, Barea played ten seasons with Dirk Nowitzki. The 36-year-old point guard is still with the Mavericks.

Barea and Nowitzki shredded defenses for years in the pick and roll. It is what made them a dynamic duo. Dirk’s ability to both roll and pop gave defenses headaches. Barea became a masterful pick and roll ball handler over the years. The pair would score with ease against opposing second units allowing Dallas to go on massive runs.

That partnership grew in Barea’s second stint with the Mavericks. The veteran guard improved on the court and became a team leader. Some may say Barea was co-captain alongside Dirk. The two shared a ton of playing time and memories in Dallas. It was fitting that Barea was part of Nowitzki’s final season in 2019.

Next: No. 2