Point guard J.J. Barea‘s recovery from a ruptured right Achilles tendon is going well and he’s hopeful of playing for Puerto Rico in the FIBA World Cup this summer, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon tweets. The Mavericks veteran suffered the injury on January 11th and underwent surgery three days later.
“The way I feel right now, it looks pretty good,” Barea told MacMahon. “But I’m not going to make a decision until it gets closer.” Barea is doing non-contact basketball activity under the supervision of Mavericks staff members, MacMahon adds, and took 600 shots in an hour last week.
Barea, an unrestricted free agent this summer, is expected to re-sign with the Mavericks.
We have more from the Southwest Division:
- While Anthony Davis‘ representatives said he still wants out after meeting last week with executive VP David Griffin, there’s no need for Griffin to rush out and trade the superstar big man, Scott Kushner of the New Orleans Advocate writes. Griffin can wait as long as February’s trade deadline to deal Davis, leaving open the possibility that the team can convince him to change his mind. If Davis remains firm, his wish is more likely to come to fruition if he’s willing to make a commitment to the trade partner, Kushner adds.
- Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry is intrigued by the possibility of a Lonzo Ball–Jrue Holiday backcourt if Davis is dealt to the Lakers, Andrew Lopez of the Times-Picayune reports (hat tip to the Sporting News).
- The Hawks, Spurs, Mavericks and Kings are possible destinations for center Clint Capela if the Rockets deal him, Frank Urbina of HoopsHype opines. The Rockets reportedly have made everyone on the roster available at the right price.
- The Grizzlies should swap veteran point guard Mike Conley while his value remains high after he averaged a career high in points this season, Omari Sankofa II of The Athletic argues.
As a Mavs fan, i dont want capela. You need a big man that can shoot 3s in todays nba. Now if i had to pick a center that couldnt shoot 3s, it would be Drummond.
Your big man also needs to be able to guard on the perimeter. I disagree with the whole “centers must be able to shoot” narrative. If you have 4 shooters and one dynamic roller/tenacious rebounder it puts a lot of pressure on the defense.
Utah does just fine without shooters at the 1 and the 5, and arguably at the 4 too (Crowder don’t exactly light it up). The trick is motion and passing. Most teams have a player or two who wants to hold the ball. Those teams need shooters.
Gentry liking Ball makes up for Ball Sr. Not liking NOLA. IDK if that was or would ever an issue. It does sound like a fit, Lonzo & Jrue, more then say, Lonzo & Booker.
would like to see the Lakers make a run at Conley. the possibility seems best since theyll likely strike out in free agency and they should not trade for CP3. pair this with a trade for Davis, then sign veterans/role players. would love to see Chandler come back