The Dallas Mavericks typically fly under the radar in the regular season and they certainly surprised many in the playoffs. Mainly because they lost a key offensive threat, Caron Butler earlier in the year. As of right now, Dallas isn’t sure if Butler will be ready for the Finals. But do they even need him at this point?
The Dallas Mavericks do not anticipate Caron Butler will be able to play in the NBA Finals, although a return remains a possibility.
“It’s unlikely, but I can’t say no for sure,” coach Rick Carlisle said during a Thursday morning appearance on ESPN 103.3’s “Ben and Skin Show.”
Butler, a two-time All-Star who began his career with the Miami Heat, has been working to return from a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee. Butler is able to sprint and jump, but he has not yet been cleared for full-contact practice.
Butler suffered the injury on New Year’s Day in Milwaukee, popped the kneecap back in place and walked to the Mavericks’ locker room because he didn’t want to be seen carried off the court in front of the dozens of friends and family members who traveled from his hometown of Racine, Wis., to attend the game.
Read more about Butler’s status via ESPN.com.
