Deron Williams might miss Mavs' season opener with strained calf
Who will suit up for the Dallas Mavericks on opening night is anyone's guess.
Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle told ESPN's Tim MacMahon on Sunday that point guard Deron Williams is expected to miss the remainder of preseason action with a strained right calf.
"He's doing better, but he will not play in the exhibition games," Carlisle said of Williams. "We'll see if we can get him ready for the opener. It's been a frustrating thing for him, but we're making progress. We'll get there. I just don't have a timetable."
Williams missed two games last winter after straining his right calf last season. A cracked rib sidelined him for another 11 games.
The Mavericks are already dealing with injuries to shooting guard Wes Matthews and Chandler Parsons. Matthews is recovering from a ruptured Achilles, while Parsons underwent knee surgery during the offseason. Neither player appeared in the preseason.
Williams, a three-time All-Star between 2009 and 2012, has been in steady decline over the past three seasons. A history of ankle injuries and a habit of feuding with coaches have undoubtedly played their part in his fall from grace.
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Williams averaged 13 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 6.6 assists last season while shooting 38.7 percent from the field in 68 games.
Williams joined the Mavericks on a two-year, $10-million deal this summer after securing a buyout from the Brooklyn Nets. If he's not cleared for opening night, the Mavericks might tab one of Raymond Felton, J.J. Barea, or Devin Harris for the start.