Dallas Mavericks legend and 2011 NBA Champion JJ Barea has officially announced his retirement from the sport of basketball. The diminutive guard last played in the league in the 2019-20 season and was waived by the Mavericks prior to the start of the 2020-21 season. Barea is an icon in the city and one of the key members of the 2011 championship squad.
Barea’s retirement was confirmed by him sharing messages his countrymen and other basketball players were leaving for him, congratulating him on his retirement. Barea was undrafted in the NBA and had to find his way after a lot of battling in the NBA. The Mavericks became a forever home for Barea, as he is likely to return to the franchise for a different role.
Barea’s contributions to the Mavericks in 2011 will never be forgotten, especially his play in the NBA Finals. He may not have been the flashiest player, but he was a massive reason for the success Dirk Nowitzki and the team had that season.
J.J. Barea is sharing lots of messages on his Instagram story congratulating him on retirement.
Una leyenda, indeed. pic.twitter.com/dvEAtW6R2C
— Callie Caplan (@CallieCaplan) July 20, 2022
Barea expects to get a coaching role with the Mavericks eventually, with him having unofficial involvement with the team during the 2021 NBA Summer League. Point guards are usually well-suited for coaching roles, so Barea may have a tremendous opportunity in front of him.
“They [the Mavericks] want me to be part of it; I want to be part of it,” Barea said at the time. “It’s perfect. I want to stay involved. … I love coaching, especially for the Dallas Mavericks. My job the next couple of years is to get experience and get better, stay involved with the team and help as much as I can.”
Barea averaged 8.9 points, 3.9 assists, and 2.1 rebounds over his 14-year NBA career. He spent most of the time with the Dallas Mavericks but had a 3-year stint with the Minnesota Timberwolves. He is a former NBA Champion and will forever be remembered in Dallas.
