J.J. Barea (PG/SG, DAL) - NBA Waiver Wire Pickups

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ANALYSIS: J.J. Barea was off to a hot start in his first 10 games of the season before a calf injury cost him an entire month. He made his return on Monday, and although he was under a minutes restriction, he managed 11 points and four assists in just 13 minutes. On Wednesday, he played just nine minutes and scores two points on 1-for-7 shooting. Still, before his injury, Barea was nearly doubling his points, rebounds and assists production from his career averages. Most of that has come as a result of increased minutes (31.1 MPG) and usage (24.7%), both career highs. His per 36 minutes have also gone up, however. In 10 games, he is averaging 18.3 PTS, 6.1 AST, 3.9 REB, and 0.8 STL per 36. The scoring average is a career-high mark.

Barea should be leaned on heavily by a Mavs team that is still without Dirk Nowitzki. Starting point guard Deron Williams is as injury-prone as you can get, so it may just be a matter of time before Barea becomes the crux of the offense. Even with Williams around, Barea will begin playing a big role off the bench now that he is back healthy. Fantasy owners in need of guard help should see if Barea is still on waivers before everyone else realizes he is back.