Mavs taking conservative approach with Wes Matthews' recovery

The Dallas Mavericks took a gamble when they signed shooting guard Wesley Matthews to a lucrative $70-million contract four months after he tore his Achilles tendon, as the track record of players returning from such injuries is spotty, at best.

Mavericks owner Mark Cuban defended his team's decision, saying the club wasn't going to "run away from risk."

However, Dallas still plans to play it safe with Matthews, as head coach Rick Carlisle told Mavs.com.

"He’s definitely on track for a full recovery," Carlisle said. "But we’re going to be erring on the side of being conservative and cautioned."

In fact, the Mavericks will lighten the load on Matthews in the first year of his four-year pact to ensure his future health.

"I think the most important thing is that he makes a full recovery, because we’re signing him to a four-year deal," Carlisle said. "The first year is more about making sure that he’s right and getting him out there on the right terms, and from there we want him to make a full recovery and continue to get better.”

It would be risky to ask Matthews, who logged the 17th-most minutes in the NBA over the past five seasons, to play heavy minutes in the upcoming season. However, bringing Matthews along slowly might undercut the Mavericks' best interests in the short run.

Dallas badly needs Matthews to log quality minutes as a premier 3-and-D wing. Otherwise, given its losses this summer, Dallas could be in danger of missing the playoffs next season.

There's also added pressure on the Mavericks stemming from Dirk Nowitzki and Chandler Parsons. Nowitzki is in the twilight of his career and will require more rest than ever in his age-37 season. Meanwhile, Parsons is eligible to become a free agent next summer and could depart for greener pastures.

- With h/t to Pro Basketball Talk