Noticed this has yet to be mentioned, but I have to give props to Barea and Pops for their D-League performances since joining the team. Pops has basically led the team in rebounding except for 2 games(and they have been double digit rebounds) In two of those I believe he has totaled 18 and 16 respectively. Judging from his numbers and play, seems a bit foul prone and turnover heavy. But that could be having to handle the ball more than usual. Seems like a great fit on the Mavs in upcoming seasons behind Dirk. Barea, I really enjoy what he brings. I rooted for him making this team during the summer and he's really going off in the D-League. He's scored 2 40+ games already and has had double digit assist games along with his scoring. The assists don't surprize, it's his ability to score that is. This was a guy coming out of college not known for his shooting touch. In fact it was bad. People might say his height could deter his impact but I disagree, I think this kid can come in and play a role on the Mavs. Avery Johnson, Earl Boykins, Chris Paul, Allen Iverson are a couple guys who are small but yet impact the game. Of course I don't think Barea is on the level of Paul or Iverson. But I feel he can play despite his height.Good pickups by Mavs, because if they weren't assigned to a team, I'm willing to bet another would by now.
So supposedly this one chick that I know who is a DJ in Dallas knows JJ. She said he tried to get her to stay over, but she wouldn't!
Seems like they are doing well in the development leage maybe they could turn into a talent like Kelenna Azubuike from the Golden State Warriors who made an immediate impact the first game since he got called up. Now if Pops and Barea do get called back up they still will not get much playing time behind one of the best teams in the league and a decent bench.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (moses2121 @ Jan 30 2007, 12:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Now if Pops and Barea do get called back up they still will not get much playing time behind one of the best teams in the league and a decent bench.</div>It could still be pretty great for the sake of helping us get role players, though. I like Barea... I personally enjoy watching him more than Anthony Johnson, at the very least. He's not the greatest rookie PG by any means, but he's very solid.As far as Pops goes, I haven't seen much of him at all. I don't really care if he is foul/TO prone. He couldn't possibly be worse than Van Horn... could he?
This is my thoughts on Barea. Barea isnt as good a point gaurd as Anthony Johnson, but he fits better than Johnson does in Avery's system. Barea can at least be a threat off the pick and roll and he's fast enough to be a decent defender against the other point on the court. Anthony is a good player, but he isnt a threat off the dribble and isnt that great of a shooter. We all know that just about every player on this team is a threat once they get the ball. Dirk, Terry, Stack, Harris, Ager, etc, they all thrive on the iso plays. This opens the court for shooters like Buck, Croshere, and George. Johnson doesn't fit into either catagory of player that Avery relies on. Barea can at least drive and be a threat when need be. I'm just thinking he is almost if not faster than Devin Harris. Johnson isnt a good fit for this team in my opinion. Good player, but not good fit. Barea could be a good suprise next season as a backup point for us. Same with Pops.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Johnson isnt a good fit for this team in my opinion. Good player, but not good fit. Barea could be a good suprise next season as a backup point for us. Same with Pops.</div>Agree 100%. I like Anthony Johnson and I hope he finds his niche like Buckner, George and even Croshere have on this team. Buck is really coming into his as of late. His added 3 point arsenal makes him a great upgrade over Griffin. One thing I loved about Griff was his ability to snag rebounds and use his head over his ability. Buck is starting to do this.But back to AJ, he's the epitome of the difference between West and East offense. AJ still is great insurance this year and I think he we pay dividends for us in the playoffs.
^Can't dissagree with that at all.Good topic...I was checking out these guys stats in the D-League a few days ago, and was VERY impressed with both of these guys.BTW, I love the 300 Sig Rok.
