Dallas Mavericks: J.J. Barea believes Luka Doncic has a lot more room to grow

Dallas Mavericks: J.J. Barea believes Luka Doncic has a lot more room to grow

Dallas Mavericks legend J.J. Barea has seen it all in the game of basketball. He has played 14 seasons in the NBA and is hoping for more. Barea was cut by the Mavs during training camp, but the veteran is hoping to latch on with another team this season.

Fans will always remember Barea helping Dallas win the 2011 championship. Coach Rick Carlisle inserted him into the starting five in Game 4, and the Mavs did not lose another game. His pesky defense coupled with scoring and playmaking ability propelled Dallas to the title.

Barea was on The Old Man and The Three podcast on Dec. 31 to discuss his NBA career and more. The Mavs legend enlightened fans on why he thinks Luka Doncic is going to continue improving. Let us take a closer look.

J.J. Barea believes Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic has not reached his peak

J.J. Redick brought up Luka and asked Barea about Doncic’s ceiling. See the Mavs legend’s response below.

"“He’s still a kid. He’s still chilling. I think he’s still chilling and still growing. In a good way, he still hasn’t taken the next step. When he starts really training and really getting ready for the NBA, he is going to be a monster. Right now, he’s a kid. He still thinks he can pull it off like this, and he’s still getting better every year. When he becomes a man, he is going to be a problem.”"

Barea also added the Doncic has “all the things I think you need to be great at basketball”. The two NBA veterans discussed how things change as players exit their early 20s. It was a fascinating conversation about the evolution of most NBA players.

Barea has seen it all in the NBA. Luka is outstanding, but the 21-year-old could be the league’s best player during his prime. He is special and will continue to improve.

J.J. Barea also shared stories about Mavericks GOAT Dirk Nowitzki, owner Mark Cuban, and his departure after the 2011 championship. It is a must-listen interview for all Dallas Mavericks fans, so do not miss it.