NBA players come and go, but every so often, you run into one that becomes special to a franchise and special to a city.
If there were any doubts that J.J. Barea is one of those rare, beloved players, they were washed away with the tears that the Mavericks’ legend fought back Thursday as he said goodbye to the franchise and the fans that he loves.
“It’s been amazing,” Barea said. “It’s a tough day. But I wouldn’t change anything. The messages from the fans in Dallas have been amazing. The way they treated me from day one – this city saw me as a kid, saw me grow up with a family now, kids, wife – everywhere we go here is special.