The Dallas Mavericks are coming into training camp hoping players Chandler Parsons, Wesley Matthews and JaVale McGee will be healthy to start, but reports have the three not ready to go by the end of September. Deron Williams is coming in for the Mavs after being bought out by the Nets and signing with the team and he will be the likely starter at point guard.
ESPN Dallas reports that the Mavericks likely will not have Parsons, Matthews or McGee ready when training camp starts next week. Tim MacMahon reports that sources said that the three players will "not be fully cleared" for camp. The report says that Matthews, McGee and Parsons will "gradually work into full participation" as training camp moves along.
The Mavericks signed Matthews to a lucrative contract this summer and the team brought in McGee as a potential depth option if he makes the roster. McGee signed for $250,000 guaranteed and that will kick in once training camp starts up and if he can't make it into camp, he could be waived. The Mavericks wanted to beef up their front line after losing DeAndre Jordan and the team added Zaza Pachulia, Samuel Dalembert and McGee.
The team also has Salah Mejri and Jarrid Famous battling for roster spots with McGee. McGee has not been able to stay healthy over the past few years and he only played in 23 games last season. Parsons and Matthews may need some time to get back to full strength, as they both suffered serious injuries last season. Matthews is coming back from an Achilles, while Parsons is coming back from knee surgery this summer.
Mark Cuban spoke with the Dallas Morning News about the players and he said that "there's no reason to rush" either player back from their injuries. Parsons previously said to the media that his knee is "feeling great" and that he expects to be on the court when the Mavericks open the season. Last season Parsons played in 66 games and averaged 15 points and five rebounds per game. Parsons has not been cleared for full workouts, but he has been able to do strength work.
Head coach Rick Carlisle spoke about Matthews to Mavs.com and he said that the team likes Matthews for his "toughness and work ethic." Carlisle also said that the team will not push Matthews to come back before he is ready, saying that "Achilles tears are no joke" and that the team will be cautious. Deron Williams also spoke to Mavs.com and he said that he is looking forward to having a "fresh start" with Dallas.
Williams had a down season last year with the Nets and he averaged 13 points and 6.6 assists per game, but shot just 38 percent from the field. Williams now gets the chance to play in his home state and the team is reportedly excited about how Williams has looked in training over the summer.