Offseason Wishlist - Youth Movement

Earl K. Sneed, Mavs.com
Offseason Wishlist - Youth Movement

On a roster full of 30-somethings, the "young guns" are patiently awaiting their opportunity to explode on the scene. That opportunity may be on the horizon.

The play-making explosiveness of rookie Rodrigue Beaubois and energetic play of four-year guard J.J. Barea served as sparks of the bench for the 2009-10 Dallas Mavericks. But the two youngest players on the veteran ball club figure to have expanded roles next season, as the organization tries to tap into the potential of the budding stars.

"We've got some young guys that we're excited about," Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said. "We've got to understand that this is something that's not going to happen over night. There's going to be growing pains, there's going to be ups and downs, but we're going to be steadfast in how we approach it."

While many see the two cat-quick youngsters in competition for the backup point guard responsibilities behind future Hall of Famer Jason Kidd, the two also spent some time on the court alongside each other this season. Their interchangeability allowed Carlisle to play his upstart duo together, as Barea extended a helping hand to Beaubois, tutoring the first-year sensation on the duties of running a team.

"Roddy (Beaubois) is a great person. He has great character, so it's easy to be supportive and to help him out," Barea explained.

Between the two, the young backcourt mates combined to start 34 games. Now both head into the offseason with a list of things to work on before next season.

For Beaubois, becoming more comfortable as a lead guard tops his list, after seeing the majority of his game action at the shooting guard spot next to Kidd or Barea.

"Going forward, (Beaubois) needs to spend more time this summer, in Summer League, playing the point guard position. We need him to enhance his knowledge of the point guard position," Carlisle said.

"I need to get much better at the point guard position...This summer will be very important for me," Beaubois added. "I really need to work on my game and my body, everything, and just come into training camp ready to go."

The former French League product and native of Guadeloupe is also expected to suit up for France's national team during the FIBA World Championship held in Turkey, which runs from Aug. 28-Sept. 12.

Barea will also look to refine his game in international play, focusing on his ball-handling and shooting skills while steering the Puerto Rico national team.

"I love to play for Puerto Rico...This summer, I definitely want to play. We're going to have a long summer, so I have time to rest, I have time to work out and I have time to play," Barea said.

When the two finish representing their respective native countries, once again they'll be asked to spearhead the Mavericks' youth wave.

"We don't have to bring a bunch of young guys in at one time, but next year we can get more quickness," Barea said. "For the future, it's me and Roddy right now."

For all of your news on the Dallas Mavericks this offseason, visit Mavs.com. Follow Earl K. Sneed on Twitter at www.twitter.com/EarlKSneed.