Dallas Mavericks reserve guard Jose Juan Barea to play in Spain in case of a lockout: NBA Update
The last day of the Collective Bargaining Agreement has arrived, but still there is no progress on the issue. Now, there is high probability that Friday morning will witness yet another lockout, the first after 1998.
Dallas Mavericks postseason hero and backup guard Jose Juan Barea is also keeping a close eye on the situation and if the scenario does not change this summer, he has made it clear that he would got to Spain.
In an interview Barea said, "I guess my plan B would be Spain, but I hope that does not happen."
He however expressed the desire that the owners and the league officials can reach a timely decision.
Spain is a happening place as far as basketball is concerned. The ACB Liga is touted to be Europe’s answer to NBA and most of the top international recruits in NBA are either Spanish, or have an experience of playing in the Spanish
league.
This year has brought a lot of success and joy for the 27 year old reserve guard. Barea was immaculate in the Mavs late championship run and time and again Rick Carlisle, the Dallas Mavericks coach used him as an impact player.
The Puerto Rican star never disappointed. He was especially pivotal in dismantling the defensive system of the Heat late in the NBA Final, with his phenomenal perimeter shooting.
Barea tallied 9.3 points, clutched 4.5 rebounds, dished out 7.3 assists with a .398 percent shooting from the field and .800 percent from the free throw line. Coming with these kinds of stats Barea will surely be taken hand to
hand in the Spanish League.
Besides the lockout issue, other rumours that were swirling in the league were regarding Barea’s next destination. The Puerto Rican player will be a free agent by Thursday. The Mavs have said earlier that they would like to continue
with the same squad and that Barea and Tyson Chandler will be first on their list. Barea has also said on number of occasions that he would love to stay with the Mavs, but at the same time, he has kept the door open for better options. However, the fact remains
that Barea is still a role player and he is yet to prove himself as a consistent starter. No doubt, he made an impact in championship journey, but whether he will be able to fill the rather big shoes of Jason Kidd is yet to be seen.
In his latest interview Barea said that besides Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks and Sacramento Kings have also shown interest in acquiring him. However, trades and rest of the league activities will have to wait, since there
is no progress on the new CBA and a lockout is definitely on the cards when the sun rises on Friday.
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