Mavs fear sixth man J.J. Barea tore his Achilles, source says

The Dallas Mavericks fear that sixth man J.J. Barea tore his right Achilles tendon during Friday's 119-115 road victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, a source told ESPN.

Mavs coach Rick Carlisle told reporters that Barea would get an MRI on Saturday to determine the severity of what the team officially referred to as a "right lower leg injury."

Barea, 34, a longtime Dallas fan favorite who played a key role on the 2011 championship team, has been the leader of one of the NBA's most effective bench units this season. He is averaging 10.9 points and 5.6 assists in 19.8 minutes per game.

A torn Achilles would end Barea's season and put his availability in doubt for the start of next season. Barea, a former undrafted free agent in his 13th NBA season, is in the final year of his contract but has said he plans to play at least two more seasons.

Barea, who had 16 points and 7 assists in the win over the Timberwolves, was injured after cutting for a layup with 6 minutes, 28 seconds remaining in the game. He grabbed his right Achilles while on the floor. Several teammates, including Dirk Nowitzki, offered words of encouragement for Barea before he was helped into the locker room.