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In an interview in his native Puerto Rico, Dallas Mavericks point guard J.J. Barea explained that should a lockout cut into the oncoming NBA season, he would consider taking his talents to Spain.
As J.J. Barea continues his whirlwind glory-tour of hometown Puerto Rico, Dallas fans still reveling in the fuzzy glow of their first NBA championship may have just been shot back down to Earth. The popular Mavericks point guard made headlines Wednesday, claiming that he may consider signing with a Spanish League team if the oncoming lockout becomes as bad as predicted.
"I guess my plan B would be Spain," Barea said in joint video chat with Spanish networks El Nuevo Día and Primera Hora. "But I hope that does not happen."
The statement serves a stark reminder of the drab future ahead of the NBA. Should the lockout leak into the 2011-2012 NBA season, incoming free-agents such as Barea would be left in a difficult situation.
The 27-year old back-up point guard is sure to be one of the top priorities on the offseason checklist of Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. Barea's speed and quickness to the basket functioned as a perfect off-the-bench punch throughout the playoffs, slicing through defenses and forcing interior collapses that freed up Dallas' dynamic array of shooters.
Though, following such a strong performance, Barea is likely to get top dollar in the open market. Should the lockout end in a timely manner, and Dallas fails to resign him, the five-year veteran acknowledged that he would be willing to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, and Miami Heat. Barea also claimed that the Sacramento Kings were interested in him.
For more on J.J. Barea and the World Champion Dallas Mavericks, head over to Mavs Moneyball.
Serge Ibaka Considering A Return To Spain If NBA Lockout Persists
Serge Ibaka is the latest player to consider taking his talents to Europe if the NBA lockout persists, apparently. The Oklahoma City Thunder forward is considering a return to Spain with the last team he played for before joining the NBA.
"If there's lockout, and there are not many complications to play in the CBA, I would return (to Manresa) to play," Ibaka said during a recent radio interview according to the Spanish basketball league's website.
Ibaka played for Manresa during the 2008-09 season after being selected by the Thunder in the first round of the 2008 NBA Draft.
The complications he mentions likely have to do with the three years he still has left on his rookie contract with Oklahoma City, a distinct possibility that could keep non-free agents from going to Europe while the lockout is in place.
"I would rather play to stay in shape, rather than stay idle," Ibaka went on to say. "We do not know how the lockout will go or the possibility for a player leaving the NBA to come to play here, but I would like an opportunity to play at a site where people like me -- that would be nice too."
Ibaka certainly isn't the biggest name considering an overseas tour with the lockout in place, but he became a bit of a breakout star with his performance in the dunk contest as well as his improved play for the Thunder this past season.
Jul 03 9:51a by Scott Schroeder - 0 comments