Forward Caron Butler doubtful for Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals – NBA Update
Ever since the Dallas Mavericks made it into the National Basketball Association Finals after clinching the conference finals series 4-1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, there were strong rumours swirling around in the league
that Caron Butler can make a comeback in the finals.
Earlier Dallas coach Rick Carlisle said Butler’s inclusion is doubtful, but at the same time he said that one cannot completely rule him out for sure.
Carlisle said, “He gets closer all the time. Really, I don't want to close the door on it because with him, he's never a guy you want to bet against. He's just one of those special guys. He's a month-and-a-half, two months ahead
of the normal rehab schedule for a normal human being. It just shows the kind of work he's put into it, the sort of single-minded compulsiveness of his approach and how diligent he's been.
"It's been an inspiration to have him around. I just don't think it's the right thing to close the door even though I think it's unlikely [he'll play]."
The veteran endured a serious injury during a game on January 1, 2011, when he tore the patellar tendon in his right knee in Milwaukee. He went through the surgery after a few days and later started light practice with the team
and remained a constant presence around the squad. Although the talented forward is going through rehabilitation period, but still he is a source of inspiration for the entire team.
Butler has worked hard to shave off his injury time, but it seems that the odds are against him as he probably wouldn’t be joining the Mavs in the finals. However, his team-mates haven’t forgotten his contribution and decided to
dedicate their journey to the courageous forward.
Guard Jason Terry said, "We all said when the playoffs started we wanted to do it for him. And if you ask him, I'm one of the guys that told him, 'Hey, we're doing this for you this time, big boy.' I told you we'd do it and it's
here now.”
Butler’s inclusion in the squad could have emotionally boosted the Mavs a great deal as the rugged 6 ft 7 also holds a brilliant record against the Miami Heat. During the two regular-season games against the Heat, Butler scored
with an average of 18.0 with a shooting percentage of 54.2 and he also restricted LeBron James to just 30.6 percent from the field.
Butler, who was often found on the court for shooting after the practices, has yet to receive a clean chit from the physicians of the team. He was away from his team, as he had to attend a family situation on Saturday. However,
he was back with the squad as they travelled to Miami on Sunday.
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