Want some good Mavericks’ news? Wesley Matthews expects to play on Opening Night.
The Mavs’ signed Matthews with the intention of him being their starting shooting guard in 2016, but also with the knowledge that he’s recovering from a torn Achilles that might not have him ready early in the season. But, according to Matthews, he’ll be in the lineup when Dallas opens the season Oct. 28 in Phoenix.
When asked by SB Nation whether he was sure he’ll be in uniform and playing in two months, Matthews simply responded, “Yeah.”
Still, Mavs fans would be smart to be cautiously optimistic. The normal timetable for a return from Achilles surgery is about eight months. Matthews tore his while with the Blazers last March. October would be seven months. And with a four-year contract, there’s absolutely no reason to push Matthews too hard, too soon. If Matthews can't go early, it's likely that Devin Harris would start.
It is good to know, however, that there are people – players, no less – who are genuinely excited about next season.
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.
