Dallas Mavericks small forward Caron Butler unlikely for the NBA Finals
"It's unlikely, but I can't say no for sure,"
This was what Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle had to say when asked about small forward Caron Butler’s chances of taking part in the Dallas Mavericks NBA Finals series against the Miami Heat which starts on Tuesday.
Caron Butler has watched from the sidelines since the turn of the year as his teammates continue to perform impressively in his absence. Butler ruptured a patellar tendon in his right knee during game against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Living up to his nick name of “Tuff Juice”, Caron refused to be carried off the court. Instead he popped his knee back in and walked into the locker room.
After his surgery a few days later, the Mavericks declared that Butler would be out for the season. They even signed Peja Stojakovic in mid season to provide some cover in the small forward position. However, Caron Butler has always
maintained that he will come back to help his team in the playoffs.
Such has been his hard work and determination that there were reports he could comeback for the series against the Los Angeles Lakers, however the club doctors refused to give Butler permission to feature.
Caron has been working hard in the gym and is now able to sprint and jump, but the doctors are still reluctant to clear him for contact practice. Although they definitely miss his presence in the side, his teammates have done well
in his absence, reaching the NBA Finals and sweeping the reigning champs on the way. They have done just as they promised him,
"I promised him when he went down," Jason Terry said of Butler. "I said, 'Look here, big fella, you do what you've got to do to get yourself healthy and we're going to take you on a ride you'll never forget.'"
However the 6-foot-7 small forward, who averaged 15 points and 4.1 rebounds a game before getting injured, would be more than welcome in a team preparing to face the star studded Miami Heat in the NBA Finals.
The Mavs can use any help they can get against the Big Three of the Miami Heat, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Butler could certainly be used to defend James who has been terrific in Miami’s playoffs run so far.
However his teammates say that Butler’s sheer positivity and hard work is enough inspiration for them. Jason Terry said that more than anything, they wanted to see Butler healthy and playing again,
"I just want to see him in layup lines, If he can get up in layup lines, it's going to boost us immensely emotionally. He's been here the whole way, though. This guy has worked so hard to get ready."
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