The Dallas Mavericks could be without Deron Williams for the season opener, as the point guard is expected to be out for the rest of the preseason with an injury. The Mavs are hoping to have Wesley Matthews return soon, while JaVale McGee is expected to be healthy to start the season along with Dirk Nowitzki.
The Mavericks brought over Williams this offseason and he is expected to be the starting point guard, but he may not be ready to start the season. According to ESPN Dallas, Tim MacMahon reports that due to a calf injury, Williams will be out for the preseason and his "availability" to play in the season opener for the Mavericks is "in question" heading into the last week of exhibition games. Williams previously injured his left calf before training camp opened and he also injured his right calf in his first practice.
ESPN Dallas reports that head coach Rick Carlisle said that Williams will not be able to participate in contact drills for another week and that Williams had an MRI over the weekend. Carlisle said "we'll see" when asked about Williams playing in the season opener and that there is not a set timetable for his return. Last season Williams averaged 13 points and six assists for the Nets and he is trying to have a bounce back year with the Mavericks.
The Nets gave Williams a buyout and he later signed a two year deal with the Mavericks and he has not been able to play at all this preseason. The Mavericks are dealing with a few injuries heading into the season, as Wesley Matthews is making his way back from an Achilles injury, while Chandler Parsons is coming back from knee surgery. According to ESPN Dallas, Matthews has been able to start practicing with the team, while Parsons has not been cleared for full team workouts yet.
If Williams misses time to start the season for the Mavericks, Raymond Felton, J.J. Barea and Devin Harris likely would get the bulk of the minutes in his place. Williams dealt with injuries last season with the Nets and the Mavericks hope once he comes back, he can stay healthy on a consistent basis. Matthews comes in after signing a four year deal in free agency and he will be a key part of the Mavericks core once he gets back on the floor.
Last month Carlisle said that Matthews is a "long shot" for opening night, but Matthews has been able to do work in practice and could heal up enough in time to play the first game. Matthews likely will miss out on the first game just based on the severity of the injury he suffered last year, but he has been working in practice and according to Mavs.com, Carlisle said that Matthews was able to go through the "majority" of contract practices last week. Matthews played in 60 games last season for the Blazers and averaged just under 16 points per game. JaVale McGee spoke to Mavs.com and he said that he is "close" to being fully healthy and is aiming to be active for opening night..
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