The Dallas Mavericks entered this offseason with a major hole at center after Tyson Chandler moved on to the Phoenix Suns. In order to fill that hole the Mavericks brought in a few centers they hoped could step up and play above expectations. JaVale McGee was one of the guys they brought in but they knew it was a risk when they did so. McGee is still dealing with a stress fracture in his left tibia and there is still no timetable on his return, according to Dwain Price of The Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
When the Mavericks brought in McGee they knew he was dealing with this injury and they also knew it was a possibility he might miss some time but they were hopeful his recovery would be a little faster than it has been. McGee has started to do some 3-on-3 work in practice but still isn't taking contact and doesn't seem all that close despite some optimism from head coach Rick Carlisle.
"If you're asking for a timetable on McGee's return, I don't know. If you're asking whether he's making progress, the answer is yes. Significant progress,'' said Carlisle.
While Carlisle says he is making significant progress it is still a huge long shot that McGee is able to return for the start of the regular season. With that in mind it is fair to wonder whether the Mavericks would consider cutting McGee before the season starts.
McGee was a low risk, high reward signing whom the Mavericks hoped would be able to come in and at the very least be a rim protector for them. He signed a one year deal this offseason for $1.2 million but less than half of that is guaranteed so cutting him wouldn't hurt them too much financially.
There is no indication that the Mavericks will cut McGee but it has to be a possibility as they have three other healthy centers that they like. Zaza Pachulia is expected to be the starter, Samuel Dalembert is familiar with Carlisle and the Mavericks and they have been very impressed with 7 foot-2 center Salah Mejri. Mejri is the wildcard here as the 29 year old is a rim protector like McGee and he has been impressive this preseason.
A lot of the reports seem to think that McGee will make the final roster and the last spot will come down to Dalembert versus Mejri but the fact that McGee isn't healthy and the Mavericks are dealing with a lot of injuries has to cause some sort of pause to this. McGee is, and always has been, all about potential but he never has truly lived up to it despite already having played seven seasons in the NBA. The safe bet right now would be that McGee makes the team but it may be a wise choice for the Mavericks to consider cutting him as it is unknown when he might be able to play.
