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Nuotr.: USA Today Sports-Scanpix
Nuotr. USA Today Sports-Scanpix
The Dallas Mavericks have officially said goodbye to fan favorite and longtime team player JJ Barea. The club announced the decision to fire the basketball player, who held a farewell press conference.
Jose Barea
| Position: | PG |
| Years: | 36 |
| Height: | 183 cm |
| Weight: | 79 kilograms |
| Place of birth: | Majaguesas, Puerto Rikas |
“I still don’t realize it, but I woke up very happy,” Barea said. “It was wonderful in Dallas and I wouldn’t change a thing.”
“It just came to our attention then. It’s my end as a Mavericks basketball player, but I have nothing but good memories with myself,” Barea added.
The Mavericks, Barea, 36, handed out 2.6 million in a year before the season. USD contracted and considered the retention of the veteran, but in the end it was decided to fire the basketball player.
The Dallas club had 16 basketball players with guaranteed contracts, one more than allowed by NBA rules.
The club’s owner, Marc Cuban, presented the contract in appreciation of Barea, who was one of the key players on the Dallas team when it won the NBA title in 2011. The Mavericks themselves spent 11 of their 14 seasons in the NBA.
“JJ and I had a great time,” said Donnie Nelson, president of Basketball Operations for the Mavericks. – He has been the heart and soul of our team for many years and, of course, the pride of Puerto Rico. Unfortunately, this is coming to an end today, because we have been forced to reduce our membership. “
“He still has a lot in his tank,” Nelson continued. – Every player who has participated in training will tell you. He wants to increase his collection of titles. “
The basketball player himself still wants to play a season before the end of his career and then pursue a coaching career.
“Dallas is my second home,” Barea said without holding back tears. “It’s the happiest place I’ve ever played basketball.”
“In the future, I would like to come back and help this team again. My goal is to train at the highest level and I know it would be great to do it here in Dallas. I really still want to play this year, then take a break and be with the family. But I really want to be close to basketball, ”added Barea.
Team owner Marc Cuban also did not spare warm words for the basketball player.
“JJ is a Mavs legend,” Cuban said. – What he did in the field is only a small part of what is human. Of course, the NBA title is important, but what he does for Puerto Rico and how he helps people in need will always be more important. “
Barea is the fifth most played basketball player in the Mavericks jersey. He has 637 matches on his account. Only Dirk Nowitzki, Brad Davis, Derek Harper and Rolando Blackman played more games for him.
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