Mavs' J.J. Barea to coach Puerto Rican team

WASHINGTON, May 30 (Xinhua) -- It is reported that Dallas Mavericks guard J.J. Barea has been hired as the head coach of Indios de Mayaguez in the Puerto Rican league for the rest of the season.

Barea, 32, said he received clearance from Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, head coach Rick Carlisle and the NBA office before accepting the job.

As a Puerto Rican national team star, Barea replaces coach Bobby Porrata, who was fired with Indios de Mayaguez in last place with a 7-14 record. He will run one practice before making his coaching debut Thursday.

Barea, helped the Dallas win the NBA title in 2010-11 season, is under contract with the Mavs through 2018-19. He averaged 10.9 points and 5.5 assists for the Mavs last season in 35 games due to a series of calf injuries.