Why the Dallas Mavericks should bring J.J. Barea onto their coaching staff

The Dallas Mavericks are coming off a disappointing season where they failed to qualify for the playoff just one year after reaching the conference finals. Luka Doncic put up MVP-caliber numbers, but the supporting cast around him was not good enough. Dallas is now clinging to their top-ten draft pick and facing arguably the biggest offseason in franchise history.

The changes have already begun. Former Utah Jazz general manager Dennis Lindsey has joined the front office. Assistant coach Greg St. Jean will not return, and the Mavericks are eyeing a veteran replacement. That is all before Dallas gets a chance to improve their roster.

Mavericks legend J.J. Barea let everyone know that he wants to join the coaching rankings, and his former team should find a role for him on the bench next season.

Why the Dallas Mavericks should bring J.J. Barea onto their coaching staff

Barea will forever be known as a Maverick after helping Dallas win the championship. The series swung after the 5’11 point guard was inserted into the starting lineup, and the Mavs may not win that title without Barea.

J.J. last played in the NBA in 2020. He came to training camp with the Mavericks only to be waived so Dallas could go younger. Barea played a bit overseas before officially retiring in 2022. Now, he is eager to find a full-time coaching job. The 38-year-old had a development role with the Mavericks in 2021, and the franchise should expand his duties.

Beyond his legendary status, Barea has a close relationship with Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic. The duo played together during Luka’s first two seasons in Dallas, and Barea was often a bridge between coach Rick Carlisle and number 77. The Mavs need to do everything they can to keep Doncic happy, and adding his friend and former teammate to the coaching staff could help.

Beyond that, having another former player on the bench that played at a high level could not hurt. Barea backed up Jason Kidd for four years in Dallas. The two know each other well, and they could lead the Mavericks' rebound next season.

J.J. Barea made it clear that he wants to coach for the Dallas Mavericks, but he is open to other opportunities if his former team does not reciprocate the interest. Will Barea land a coaching gig for next season? Is he back in Dallas? Stay tuned to find out.