The Mavs’ upcoming season would be challenging even if they boasted health and a polished chemistry.
Especially early in the season they’ll be blessed with neither.
Dallas has been spanked by 10 and 27 points in its first two pre-season games. But with four of their five projected starters – including Dirk Nowitzki – yet to play, it’s impossible to gauge their whereabouts.
Nowitzki’s minutes are being monitored in the preseason while Chandler Parsons (knee) and Wesley Matthews (Achilles) won’t play until around early November. And now point guard Deron Williams (calf) and center Samuel Dalembert (knee) aren’t healthy enough to scrimmage, much less play in a game.
It’s yet another hurdle for head coach Rick Carlisle, who needs all the court time he can muster trying a reconstruct a starting five and basically a new roster.
“It’s not optimal,” admitted Nowitzki late last week. “Especially when you have a new point guard trying to learn the new system. You can run all the five-on-zero you want, but until you practice and play with each other, it’s not going to help much.”
The bright spot in the first two exhibitions has been free-agent shooting guard John Jenkins, who scored a combined 35 points and made five 3-pointers in trying to win a job as Matthews’ backup.
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A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.
