Dirk hoping December return like 'a Christmas gift' for Mavs
The Dallas Mavericks' season thus far has essentially been a lump of coal, but Dirk Nowitzki is aiming to change that.
Nowitzki, who has suited up for only five games this season due to an Achilles injury, told ESPN's Tim MacMahon that he hopes to return sometime this month and provide the Mavs a Christmas gift.
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"The thing is, I think when I came back it was a little too early and I had a little setback," Nowitzki told MacMahon. "Everybody's a little worried about starting it back up too early and then starting back where we were, so we're taking it slow now. But it's been getting better. I've been increasing the workload, and it hasn't been sore."
Nowitzki hasn't played since Nov. 25 at Cleveland, sitting out the last 11 games after returning for only two contests following a previous absence.
While Nowitzki has struggled so far this season, averaging just 12.2 points on an effective field goal percentage of 40.3, the future Hall of Famer's return would be a welcomed addition for a 6-20 Mavs team on track for their first losing season in 17 years.
"Hopefully, I'll be back in action anytime soon," Nowitzki said. "Maybe I'm a Christmas gift."