Mavericks G Barea wins citizenship award

Dallas Mavericks guard J.J. Barea was named winner of the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award on Wednesday, an honor given to a player, coach or athletic trainer that displays outstanding service and dedication to the community.

Barea was one of five finalists in balloting conducted by more than 200 members of the Professional Basketball Writers Association. The others were Oklahoma City forward Carmelo Anthony, Golden State forward Kevin Durant, Houston guard James Harden and Miami guard Dwyane Wade.

Barea, a 12-year NBA veteran, participated in disaster relief efforts for his native Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. His parents and other relatives live in Puerto Rico, which was devastated by the September storm.

Barea coordinated five trips to Puerto Rico to deliver food, water, medical supplies, generators and other supplies. He also raised approximately $770,000 in cash and worked with the Mavericks to donate all single-game tickets sales revenue -- which came out to $114,000 -- from an Oct. 25 game against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Barea, 33, averaged career-best figures of 11.6 points and 6.3 assists last season.

The award is named after J. Walter Kennedy, who was NBA commissioner from 1963-75.

--Field Level Media