One of the most beloved players in the history of the Dallas Mavericks announced his retirement on Wednesday.
J.J. Barea, who helped fuel the Mavs’ 2011 championship team, said in a Spanish-language interview that he plans to retire from playing basketball.
According to a translation given to Hoops Rumors, Barea said: “I’m ready. Last year was tough mentality, and I wasn’t ready. This year I am, and I’m at peace with retiring.”
Barea, 38, played 11 of his 14 NBA seasons with the Mavs, and was always a fan favorite, partly because of his diminutive style along with his all-out hustle.