Matthews remains long shot for opener, but Mavs won't rule him out

Wesley Matthews hasn't been ruled out for the Dallas Mavericks' season opener after all.

He's probably not going to play, but head coach Rick Carlisle softened his stance on Matthews' timeline Tuesday. At media day Monday, Carlisle tried to avoid giving a specific timeline for Matthews' return from a torn Achilles, saying only that Matthews won't be ready for the opener.

Carlisle changed his tune a bit Tuesday, taking issue with reports from media day that Matthews was out until Christmas. Instead, Carlisle said Matthews appearing on Oct. 28 was a long shot, but hasn't been ruled out entirely.

Matthews suffered the torn Achilles in March, but the Mavericks were comfortable giving him a four-year deal worth a reported $70 million, even though the history of players returning from Achilles tears is spotty. Pointing to his own work ethic, previous iron man status, and the quality of the Mavs' medical staff, Matthews believed he could return less than 10 months after surgery.

Undrafted out of Marquette, Matthews has worked his way from NBA afterthought to max-contract player. Prior to the injury, he had missed just 13 games over his six-year career. Over the past five seasons, he's averaged 15.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.2 steals, knocking down 39.4 percent of his 3-point attempts and establishing himself as a stopper on the wings.

Once healthy, the 28-year-old Matthews figures to start at the two for Dallas, providing floor spacing and perimeter defense. Devin Harris could stand to start in the interim, though training camp results could also lead the Mavericks to utilize a bigger starting lineup in Matthews' stead.