Will J.J. Barea return to Dallas Mavericks in a full-time role?

The Dallas Mavericks won the 2011 NBA championship, and the NBA Finals series swung when former head coach Rick Carlisle inserted J.J. Barea into the starting lineup. The series made the 5’10 point guard a Mavs legend, but his 11 years as the team’s backup point guard took it to another level. The team should consider retiring one of Barea’s jerseys for all of his contributions to the organization.

Jose Juan has not played in the NBA since 2020. The Mavs brought him to training camp on a guaranteed contract for the 2020-2021 season only to waive him before the start of the regular season. It was an emotional moment for all involved, including superstar Luka Doncic, who had grown close to the Mavericks legend.

Barea officially retired from professional basketball after a run playing his native Puerto Rico. The 5’10 guard still had the pick and roll game going, but he struggled with injuries late in his career. Will Barea join the Mavericks full-time now that he is done playing?

Will J.J. Barea return to Dallas Mavericks in a full-time role following his retirement?

Barea is already on the Mavs payroll in a part-time role as a scout and a consultant. The 38-year-old has made it clear for years that his desire was to jump into coaching after his playing career. Barea was a mentor and virtual coach that could check into games in his last season with the Mavericks. He is well suited for a role on the bench.

Does Barea jump right in full-time? The Mavs currently do not have an opening on the bench, and the 5’10 former guard likely wants to take some time to spend with his family. Coaching is in Barea’s future, but it may not happen immediately.

When J.J. Barea is ready for a full-time role, the Dallas Mavericks will be first in line to hire him. The Mavs legend has a strong relationship with several players on the team, and he would be a seamless fit into the staff whenever Barea is ready. Stay tuned to see what he wants to do now that his playing days are over.