Caron Butler Eyes Return For The Playoffs

Added on Apr 06, 2011 by Scott in

NBA

Mavericks small forward Caron Butler hasn’t seen the court since January 1st. After rupturing his patellar tendon it was expected he would miss the rest of the season due to the six-month recovery process. Not so fast. Butler is ahead of schedule in his rehab and is confident he can return to the team at some point during the postseason.

According a story in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, head coach Rick Carlisle isn’t sure Butler will make it back this season, but did admit he is improving quicker than most:

“The thing I do know is that he’s made phenomenal progress. He’s way ahead of schedule for this type of injury. I’m just not sure whether that’s going to manifest in him putting a uniform back on at any point soon.”

In 29 games, Butler is averaging 15.0 points, 4.1 rebounds and hitting 43% from three-point range. However, his real value comes on the defensive end. He gives the Mavs a shutdown defender capable of matching up with some of the Western Conference’s elite shooting guards and small forwards.

Dallas currently occupies the No. 3 seed in the West, two full games ahead of Northwest Division-leading Oklahoma City. Their record with Butler was 21-8; without him they have gone 32-16. They are still a major contender, with Dirk Nowitzki, Tyson Chandler and Jason Kidd leading the way.

Needless to say, getting past the Lakers, Spurs and Thunder would be much easier with Butler than without him. The odds he does return are long, but he and the Mavs are crossing their collected fingers.

Source: CBSSports.com