Three players who are anticipated to play key roles for the Dallas Mavericks will not be fully cleared to begin training camp next week, according to sources.
Shooting guard Wesley Matthews, small forward Chandler Parsons and center JaVale McGee are all expected to gradually work into full participation in practices as they continue to recover from major injuries.
Matthews and Parsons, the Mavs’ high-priced starting wing duo, have both said that they are hopeful they will be able to play in Dallas’ Oct. 28 season opener.
The Mavs gave Matthews a four-year, $70 million contract in free agency despite the fact that he is recovering from a torn left Achilles tendon, suffered March 5 while playing for the Portland Trail Blazers against the Mavs. Matthews, who is known for his toughness and strong work ethic, posted on Instagram last week that he received encouraging news during a doctor’s visit.
Parsons, who is in the second season of a three-year, $46 million deal, had major surgery in May to repair the cartilage damage in his right knee that caused him to miss all but one game of the Mavs’ playoff series loss to the Houston Rockets. The Mavs are counting on Parsons, who averaged 15.7 points last season, to be more of an offensive focal point after they allowed leading scorer Monta Ellis to leave in free agency.
McGee, who signed a partially guaranteed veteran's minimum deal to join the Mavs, is preparing for a comeback after playing a total of only 28 games the last two seasons due to a stress fracture in his left tibia and related complications. The athletic 27-year-old 7-footer could compete with Samuel Dalembert and Zaza Pachulia to be Dallas’ starting center once McGee gets completely healthy and works his way into shape.