DALLAS -- Rookie first-round pick Jared Cunningham sprained his thumb during Monday's practice and might not be available for the beginning of the season.
It's unlikely that Cunningham would have seen significant minutes anyway, although the Mavs have a glaring need at backup point guard with Delonte West suspended and probably hours away from being removed from the roster.
Cunningham struggled in the preseason, recording more turnovers (nine) than assists (six) and shooting 8-of-28 from the floor. Rodrigue Beaubois didn't have a good preseason, either, but the four-year veteran is the lesser of the evils unless the Mavs can acquire another point guard.
Cunnighman's development was slowed by hamstring and knee problems that prevented him from playing in the summer league.