In honor of Mavericks’ legend J.J. Barea starting his Spanish playing career with Estudiantes this week, the time has come to salute the best of the smallest.
Barea carved out a career as a 5-10 energizer for the Mavericks, playing 11 seasons (plus three with Minnesota) and in a game where big men have inherent advantages, Barea has embodied the spirit of little men throughout NBA history.
He got by on heart, hustle and grit, but also by having more talent than people sometimes gave him credit for. By the way, he had 14 points, 3 assists and 3 steals in his first Spanish League game.