In 2006, the Dallas Mavericks made a strange addition to their roster. A team fresh off a Finals appearance signed a six-foot point guard from the Developmental League team in Fort Worth to add some depth to their bench. J.J. Barea excelled in college basketball at Northeastern, making the Honorable Mention All-America team and being named a Bob Cousy Award Finalist. But his small stature made him a poor fit for the NBA.
At least that’s what everybody thought.
Barea was a scrappy underdog, though, and once he claimed a spot on an NBA roster, refused to give it up.