Dallas Mavericks forward Caron Butler returns from injury
Dallas Mavericks forward Caron Butler returned to the team's starting line-up last Wednesday in a 97-99 loss against the New Orleans Hornets. The two-time All Star, who was on the court
for just 22 minutes, is seemingly being eased into logging his usual time on the court by Dallas coach Rick Carlisle.
Butler has been out for the last three games due to back spasms. The former University of Connecticut standout sustained the injury last November 8 during his team's 89-87 victory against
the Boston Celtics.
Turning maverick
The 6'7" forward, who came over in a mid-season trade last season that involved Brendan Haywood, Josh Howard and Drew Gooden among others, has secured the starting small forward job in
Dallas over veteran Shawn Marion. Butler, who was drafted 10th overall by the Miami Heat in the 2002 NBA Draft, played 27 games for Dallas last season and averaged 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.8 steals while shooting 44 percent from field goal range.
Easing into action
In seven games this season, Butler is averaging 13.3 points, which would be his lowest scoring output since his sophomore year with the Heat. In the game against the Hornets, he produced
five points and two assists on 2-of-7 shooting from field goal range. Carlisle is believed to be exercising caution to prevent Butler from aggravating the injury.
The Mavericks play back-to-back games against Chicago and Atlanta on Friday and Saturday, and Carlisle is expected to limit Butler's minutes for the games.
In Butler's absence, Marion took over the starting small forward spot. In a bid to take over the starting position permanently, he averaged 13.7 points and six rebounds. The Mavericks
won all three games without Butler in the line-up. The last of the victories came in a 98-95 win against the Hornets on Monday night.
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