Former Dallas Mavericks guard J.J. Barea announced his retirement last week. Barea, 38, played the majority of his career in Dallas, spending 11 of his 14 seasons with the Mavericks. He spent three seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
“I’m ready,” Barea said. “Last year was a tough mentality, and I wasn’t ready. This year I am, and I am at peace with retiring.”
The fact that Barea carved out such a long career despite his size is a testament to his hard work and grit. Coming into the league at 5’10” and 180 pounds, no one could have predicted he would play almost 15 years in the NBA.