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Report: Former NBA Guard J.J. Barea Takes Head Coaching Job in Puerto Rico

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Dallas Mavericks
Dallas Mavericks
Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota Timberwolves

Longtime NBA guard J.J. Barea reportedly has a new coaching gig in his home territory.

Barea has agreed to a deal to become the coach of Mets de Guaynabo in Baloncesto Superior Nacional, Puerto Rico's national basketball league, according to a Saturday morning report from Shams Charania of The Athletic.

The 39-year-old Barea played 14 seasons in the NBA for the Mavericks and Timberwolves from 2007-20, averaging 9.5 points per game for Dallas's 2011 championship team. His 2,441 assists with the Mavericks rank ninth in franchise history.

Barea won 13 medals with the Puerto Rican national team in a decorated international career, including two in the Pan American Games and two in the FIBA AmeriCup.

Guaynabo, the San Juan suburb in which the team is located, is about two hours by car from Mayaguez, where Barea was born. The Mets' roster includes four-time NBA All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins.

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