Barea won't play for Puerto Rico in World Cup

Dallas Mavericks guard J.J. Barea will not play for his native Puerto Rico in the upcoming FIBA World Cup, he told ESPN's Tim MacMahon.

Barea hasn't played since rupturing his right Achilles tendon during a January game against the Minnesota Timberwolves and feels it would be too risky to play in China. The 35-year-old re-signed with the Mavs on a one-year deal earlier in July and will reportedly earn the veteran's minimum this coming season.

Puerto Rico will be in a pool with Spain, Iran, and Tunisia at the World Cup. Barea joins James Harden and Anthony Davis of the United States, Andrew Wiggins and Tristan Thompson of Canada, and Ben Simmons of Australia on the list of notable NBAers who have removed themselves from tournament consideration.