Mavs' Injuries Could Signal Slow Start to Training Camp

The Mavericks begin training camp next week  -- at least some of them.

When Dallas begins what should be a challenging season with the official tip-off of camp at American Airlines Center, it will be without key injured players Chandler Parsons, Wesley Matthews and JaVale McGee.

All three are recovering from major injuries, but hopeful to play in the season opener Oct. 28 at Phoenix.

Parsons missed all but one game of the Mavs’ playoff loss to the Rockets after tearing cartilage in his right knee late in the season. He underwent surgery in May. Without leading scorer Monta Ellis, Dallas will count on Parsons to increase his shots and scoring this season.

Matthews is still recovering from a torn Achilles suffered last March while playing for the Blazers. Counting on him to be their starting shooting guard, Dallas gave him a four-year, $70 million contract in free agency despite the historical, negative effects of the Achilles injury on players.

McGee is expected to compete with Samuel Dalembert and Zaza Pachulia for playing time at center, despite playing only 28 games over the last two seasons due to a stress fracture in his left leg.

Considering the injuries, an expected down season will likely get off to a slow start.

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.

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