The Dallas Mavericks will be opening their training camp next week as they set their eyes on the upcoming 2015-16 season. However, three players are not expected to make it in time. Shooting guard Wesley Matthews, small forward Chandler Parsons and center JaVale McGee are reportedly not fully cleared to participate in the camp.
The Mavericks spent a significant amount of money over the last two off-seasons, but it looks like the return on Mark Cuban's investment will have to wait a little longer. Matthews, Parsons and McGee are all still recovering from individual injuries that ended their previous seasons and all three are not cleared for training camp, Tim MacMahon of ESPN reported.
Matthews is still recovering from a torn Achilles tendon which he sustained while playing for the Portland Trail Blazers in March. Despite the historically negative effects of an Achilles injury on players' performance, it did not stop Dallas from signing the shooting guard to a four-year, $70 million deal.
Small forward Parsons sustained a torn cartilage in his right knee during the playoffs. While an MRI test result indicated that there are no structural damage, the player still underwent surgery in the off-season. As a result, he missed all but one game of the Mavericks' playoff loss to the Houston Rockets. In the absence of leading scorer Monta Ellis, the Mavericks will rely on Parsons to increase his shots and scoring this upcoming season.
Meanwhile, JaVale McGee is also not expected to join training camp due to health issues. The veteran center signed a partially guaranteed minimum deal in August to join the Mavericks. He is currently preparing for his return after participating in only 28 games in the last two seasons because of a stress fracture in his left tibia (a bone in the lower leg).
If all three key players are not cleared or even limited in time for opening night, it would bothersome for the Dallas Mavericks' strategy. The team, unlike the Cleveland Cavaliers who could be without its two star players early on, does not have the likes of LeBron James to fall back on.
All three players are expected to gradually work into full participation in practices as they continue to do their part in recovering from major injuries. Both Parsons and Matthews, Dallas' high-salary starting wing duo, already expressed hopes that they will be able to play with the team for the October 28 season opener.
