Mavs don’t have a timetable for JaVale McGee

CLEVELAND – The Dallas Mavericks knew they were taking a roll of the dice when they signed JaVale McGee over the summer.

The erstwhile center had been recuperating from a stress fracture in his left tibia when the Mavs acquired him. And three weeks into training camp, McGee is still dealing with those same issues.

Thus, with the regular season set to start in nine days, the Mavs are unsure whether McGee will be ready for the opening tipoff against the Phoenix Suns on Oct. 28.

"If you’re asking for a timetable (on McGee’s return), I don’t know,’’ coach Rick Carlisle said after Monday’s shootaround at Quicken Loans Arena. "If you’re asking whether he’s making progress, the answer is yes.

"Significant progress.’’

McGee possesses a wiry 7-foot, 270-pound body that the Mavs hope can help protect the rim, be a dominant offensive weapon, and also clean up whatever defensive mistakes are made on the perimeter. The eight-year veteran will not play tonight at 6 when the Mavs (0-4) face the Cavs (0-6).

Mostly throughout training camp, McGee, who missed 59 games last season, has been taking moderate steps in order to get his game and body back on par.

"His activity has been ramped up significantly in the last two weeks,’’ Carlisle said. "Is he doing anything live yet -- no.

"But the way things are going, if he can continue as this pace he’s going to make more and more progress.’’

While McGee has missed all four preseason games, 7-2, 235-pound center Salah Mejri has overcome a fractured left fibula while producing six points, 13 rebounds and two blocks in 32 minutes over the last two games.

"He’s done a good job,’’ Mejri said. "He’s active, he’s got a good feel for the game, he’s a factor at the rim defensively and he’s an experienced guy that knows how to play.

"This will be more good minutes for him tonight, more good experience, and he’s got a great opportunity here.’’

Carlisle also said rookie swingman Justin Anderson has a great opportunity to prove his worth. But the coach caution not to get sidetracked by Anderson’s poor shooting percentage.

In the first four games Anderson is just 12-of-41 from the field for a subpar 29.3 percent.

"We just need him to play point guard in the fourth quarter and that’s where a lot of his tough shots are coming from,’’ Carlisle said. "I wouldn’t get caught up in that.

"I’m looking more closely at his minutes at the wing position. That’s more realistic for him.’’

Anderson knows things will get better for him as time passes.

"I’m just learning more every day, literally,’’ Anderson said. "On the court it’s definitely a transition.

"Obviously it’s a difference in the game speed from what we’re used to in college, but it’s been great. It’s been a phenomenal experience.’’

An experience that will continue tonight against the Cavs.

"Tonight he’s going to have another slew of wing guys that are good players,’’ Carlisle said. "It’s going to be like this every game.’’

Dwain Price can be heard every Wednesday from 3-5 p.m. on dfwiradio.com.

This story was originally published October 19, 2015 at 12:01 PM with the headline "Mavs don’t have a timetable for JaVale McGee."