LAS VEGAS – Supporters of the Dallas Mavericks will need to wait a bit longer to witness Luka Dončić, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson sharing the court simultaneously.
This delay is due to Dončić being ruled out for Monday’s preseason opener at the American Airlines Center against the Memphis Grizzlies, as he is dealing with a left calf contusion. The injury occurred during Tuesday’s practice at the Mavericks’ training camp, held on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, when he took a hit to his calf.
He is scheduled for re-evaluation in a week, at which point it will be decided whether he can participate in the preseason game on October 10 at AAC against the Utah Jazz.
“He got hit in the calf yesterday,” Coach Jason Kidd stated. “So they performed an MRI and discovered there was a strain.”
Dončić, a five-time All-Star, is the clear leader of the Mavericks and one of the premier players in the NBA. Last season, he topped the league in scoring with an average of 33.9 points, while also ranking second in assists at 9.8 and second in three-pointers made per game.
(4.1), sharing seventh place in steals (1.4) and ranking first among all guards in rebounds (9.2).
Irving and Dončić played a vital role in leading the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals last season. After Thompson departed from the Golden State Warriors after 13 seasons, joining the Mavericks this summer via free agency, creating one of the most formidable Big 3 in the NBA.
Nonetheless, observing their on-court chemistry will depend on the resolution of the situation regarding Dončić’s left calf contusion.
“We’ll evaluate him in a week and see where he stands,” Kidd mentioned. “However, there’s currently no concern about his availability. We’ll check on how he feels in a week.”
KIDD, VOGEL REUNITED: The Mavs have brought on former NBA head coach Frank Vogel as a“`html
Last season, Vogel led the Phoenix Suns to a record of 49 wins and 33 losses, but they faced defeat in the first round of the playoffs, getting swept 4-0 by the Minnesota Timberwolves. He has previously coached the Indiana Pacers (2010-2016), the Orlando Magic (2016-2018), and the Los Angeles Lakers (2019-2022).
Coach Jason Kidd commented, “He’s a member of our coaching staff — acting as a consultant — so he’ll be around intermittently. I think he’s staying until tomorrow before returning to Dallas.”
“I asked him to join us and lend his expertise. It took some persuasion, but he ultimately agreed, and I’m thrilled that he did,” Kidd added.
Having served as an assistant under Vogel during his time with the Lakers from 2019 to 2021, which included winning the 2020 NBA championship in the bubble located in suburban Orlando, Kidd values Vogel’s coaching prowess and sought to include him in the Mavericks’ system.
“He is undoubtedly one of the top coaches in the league,” Kidd stated. “His basketball IQ is exceptionally high, and we were able to secure a championship together in LA.”
“Working with Frank significantly contributed to my development as a coach. With him now on our team, I hope we can achieve another championship together.”
BRIEFLY: An amusing incident with Mavs power forward P. J. Washington illustrates why some online content should be viewed skeptically. For instance, numerous 
reports recently stated that Washington had gotten a bit taller over the summer. Washington was listed as 6-7 last season, but some crafty reporters on the Internet said he grew so much over the summer that he’s now 6-11. But that reported height extension is totally shocking news to Washington, who told Mavs.com: “I wish I was that tall.” Washington laughed off the report, saying: “I saw it. I don’t know where they got that from.” After Washington walked by where interviews were being conducted following Wednesday’s practice, Mavs guard Quentin Grimes asked: “Did he look 6-11 when he was walking by? I don’t know. Y’all can take that with a grain of salt. Y’all may say I’m 6-11, too, by the end of the day.” If Washington was 6-11, that would give the Mavs sort of a Twin Towers look on the front line whenever he would be paired with either center Dereck Lively II (7-1) or Daniel Gafford (6-10). But unfortunately, that is not the case. . .For the second day in a row, forw
ards Maxi Kleber and Kessler Edwards were not full participants in practice as each player is dealing with a sprained ankle. So, when will they be healthy enough to practice? “They’re a little ways away,” coach Jason Kidd said. “Maxi sprained his ankle and Kessler has sprained his ankle.”. .As a member of the New Orleans Pelicans the past four seasons, forward Naji Marshall said he noticed how the Mavs looked like a close-knit team. Marshall said: “I liked how well, from the bench, everybody was cheering for everybody on the court and how together they were.” Marshall signed a three-year, $27 million free agent contract with the Mavs this past summer. . ..Three of the Mavs’ newcomers – Klay Thompson, Grimes and Marshall – have received rave reviews from coach Jason Kidd after the first two days of training camp. “Grimes has done great,” Kidd said. “You talk about Klay, his energy, he’s doing all the reps and wants to do all the reps. He’s been great. Both of those guys can shoot the ball, but they can compete on the other end, too. Naji, he’s another newcomer. His toughness. He wants to do every rep. We’ve got a lot of guys who want to not come off the floor, which is great. But those three are playing well. Hopefully, they’re picking up the system on both ends. Again, they bring a lot of depth, and also just their talent level is high. So, we’re really excited to have those three.”. .After going through two-a-day practices on Tuesday and Wednesday during training camp in Las Vegas, the Mavs will not practice on Thursday. Also, they will have just one practice session on Friday before returning to Dallas on Saturday.
X: @DwainPrice
Preseason Setback for Mavericks: Luka Dončić Out with Calf Contusion Ahead of Opener
Overview of the Injury
The Dallas Mavericks are facing a significant challenge as they approach the start of the NBA season. Star player Luka Dončić has been sidelined due to a calf contusion, which raises concerns for the team’s performance in the upcoming season opener. This injury comes at a critical time, as the Mavericks were counting on Dončić’s exceptional skills and leadership to guide them through early-season challenges.
Details of Luka Dončić’s Injury
- Type of Injury: Calf contusion
- Expected Recovery Time: Pending further evaluation
- Impact: Significant impact on team dynamics and opener performance
What is a Calf Contusion?
A calf contusion, commonly referred to as a muscle bruise, occurs due to a direct impact or trauma to the muscle tissue. Symptoms typically include:
- Pain and tenderness in the calf region
- Swelling and bruising
- Reduced mobility and strength
Recovery from a calf contusion can vary, depending on the severity. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) are standard treatment methods to reduce swelling and promote healing.
Historical Context of Calf Injuries in the NBA
Calf injuries have plagued various NBA players over the years, impacting their performance and teams’ success. Notable cases include:
- Kevin Durant: Suffered a calf strain in the 2019 playoffs, which led to a more severe Achilles injury.
- Anthony Davis: Experienced calf strains that hindered his ability to contribute effectively during critical games.
These examples underline the importance of cautious recovery protocols for athletes returning from similar injuries.
The Impact on the Dallas Mavericks
Dončić’s absence poses several challenges for the Mavericks, including:
- Offensive Dynamics: Dončić is the primary playmaker and scorer, making his presence crucial for the team’s offensive setup.
- Leadership Vacuum: As one of the team’s leaders, his absence may affect morale and the cohesion of team strategies.
- Defensive Adjustments: The Mavericks will need to adjust their defensive strategies to compensate for his absence on both ends of the court.
Possible Strategies for the Mavericks Without Dončić
The Mavericks must look to other players to step up in Dončić’s absence. Possible strategies may include:
- Increased Responsibility for Other Stars: Players like Kyrie Irving and Christian Wood will need to take greater control of the offense.
- Utilizing Bench Depth: The bench players may be called upon to contribute significantly, providing necessary energy and points.
- Defensive Focus: Enhancing the team’s defensive efforts can help mitigate the impact of losing a key offensive player.
Benefits of a Cautious Approach to Recovery
While the situation is disappointing for Mavericks fans, a cautious approach to Dončić’s recovery can yield long-term benefits:
- Prevention of Further Injury: Allowing full recovery minimizes the risk of aggravating the injury.
- Longer-Term Performance: A healthy Dončić can maintain peak performance throughout the season, contributing to playoff aspirations.
- Mental Resilience: Facing adversity early can build team character and resilience, potentially benefiting team dynamics in the long run.
Case Study: Recovery from Similar Injuries
| Player | Injury Type | Recovery Time | Post-Recovery Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kevin Durant | Calf Strain | 1 Month | Strong Return, Led Team to Finals |
| Anthony Davis | Calf Strain | 2-3 Weeks | Back-to-Back Dominance |
| Klay Thompson | Calf Contusion | 2 Weeks | Quick Return, Performance Stabilized |
First-Hand Experience: Insights from Players on Overcoming Injuries
Many players have shared their experiences of recovering from injuries similar to Dončić’s calf contusion. Here are some insights:
Stephen Curry: “Taking the time to heal is crucial. Rushing back can lead to setbacks that are more damaging in the long run.”
Chris Paul: “Mental preparation during recovery is just as important as the physical aspect. It’s about coming back stronger.”
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Mavericks?
The Mavericks’ coaching staff will closely monitor Dončić’s recovery and assess the impact of his absence on the team’s preparation for the season opener. Key considerations include:
- Regular Updates: Fans and analysts will be eager for updates on Dončić’s condition as the opener approaches.
- Potential Lineup Changes: The Mavericks will likely test different lineup combinations to find effective alternatives in Dončić’s absence.
- Focus on Team Morale: The coaching staff will work to maintain team spirit and focus, ensuring that the players remain motivated despite the setback.
Conclusion: Navigating the Challenges Ahead
As the Dallas Mavericks navigate the challenges presented by Luka Dončić’s calf contusion, the team will need to come together to ensure competitive performance. By focusing on recovery, exploring strategic adjustments, and drawing on the experiences of other players, the Mavericks can aim for a successful start to the season, even in the face of adversity.
