The latest episode in the NBA’s never-ending soap opera concerns Mavericks guard J.J. Barea and several players on the Washington Wizards. In case you’re not up to date, here’s a rundown of the feud:
- Barea and John Wall began jawing at each other during the second half of the Wizards-Mavs matchup Tuesday, with Barea drawing a technical foul.
- Speaking to reporters postgame, Wall called Barea a “little midget” and said he doesn’t pay the Mavs guard any mind.
- Barea responded by saying Wall was the first player in the NBA that he doesn’t like. He added, “but I don’t think his teammates like him, either. So it’s nothing new for him.”
Barea’s dis was an apparent allusion to the Wizards’ well-publicized locker-room dysfunction.
Fast forward to Wednesday, when Candace Buckner of The Washington Post asked Washington forward Markieff Morris his thoughts on the Wall-Barea. His response: “Man, fuck J.J. Barea.” In case the message wasn’t clear, he went on to say some version of “fuck J.J. Barea” three more times.
When I initially tried asking about Barea's comments, Markieff Morris cut off the question:
"Man, (expletive) J.J. Barea! What the (expletive) is he talkin’ about? The (expletive) I care about what J.J. Barea said. (Expletive) J.J. Barea. He ain’t a part of this team."
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) January 24, 2018
(2/2) Morris on Barea's comments on John Wall: "He don’t even know us. Like how do you know if we like him or not? What is he talking about. (Expletive) J.J. I heard he was a good dude but you know, you come at my teammate – (expletive) him. Straight like that.”
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) January 24, 2018
Markieff has always been known to speak his mind, and he sure as hell didn’t hold back there. You’ve got to appreciate the dedication to his teammates there. He heard Barea was a good guy, but once you mess with his point guard, you’re the enemy.
The Mavericks don’t face the Wizards again this season, but next time the 250-pound Morris and the 180-pound Barea are on the court together, J.J. might want to stay out of the paint.
