Luka Dončić Sidelined with Calf Contusion, Expected to Be Ready for Season Opener
Luka Dončić sustained a left calf contusion during a workout before departing for training camp in Las Vegas and will be re-evaluated in one week.
LAS VEGAS — The Dallas Mavericks announced that Luka Dončić is sidelined with a left calf contusion, which he sustained before the team traveled to Las Vegas. Dončić will be re-evaluated in one week, the team said.
Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd elaborated on the situation, explaining that Dončić experienced tightness in his calf after taking a hit recently, prompting him to undergo an MRI.
“I think he got hit in the calf [and] reported it tight yesterday,” Kidd said Wednesday. “They went and got an MRI, and saw that it was a strain.”
Optimistic Outlook for Dončić's Return
Dončić is expected to miss Dallas' preseason opener against the Memphis Grizzlies on Oct. 7, and his participation in the team’s annual Fan Jam on Sunday is also in doubt. However, Kidd expressed optimism about Dončić's long-term availability, with a potential return for the preseason game against the Utah Jazz on Oct. 10.
“No concern at this point about his availability,” Kidd said. “We’ll just see how he feels in a week.”
This isn’t the first time Dončić has dealt with a calf issue. Last season, he experienced a mild left calf strain during the Mavericks’ 12-day international trip to Abu Dhabi and Madrid. The injury limited him to under five minutes of action in an exhibition game against Real Madrid, but he recovered in time for the regular-season opener. Dončić also dealt with a left calf injury during the 2022 playoffs, causing him to miss the first three games of the Mavericks' first-round series against the Utah Jazz.
Other Injuries Impacting Mavericks’ Training Camp
In addition to Dončić’s absence, the Mavericks are also dealing with sprained ankles for Maxi Kleber and Kessler Edwards, which have affected their preseason preparations. Kidd commented on the situation, explaining that both players are still working through their recoveries.
“No, no. They’re a little ways away,” Kidd said. “Both have sprained ankles. Maxi sprained his ankle, and Kessler also has a sprained ankle. They’re both recovering.”
Dončić’s Injury Delays Chemistry-Building Process
With the Mavericks integrating Klay Thompson and key role players like Naji Marshall and Quentin Grimes, Dončić's absence delays critical chemistry-building during the preseason. Grimes, however, remains confident that Dončić will be ready to contribute when needed most.
“Everybody knows what Luka does,” Grimes said. “Even though he’s not practicing with us right now, we know he’ll be ready when it’s game time. He’s such a key part of what we do.”
Day 2 of training camp was a non-contact practice, with a focus on running, conditioning, and shooting drills. Kidd praised the team’s energy despite some of the key absences.
“Yeah, day two was good. Non-contact practice, a lot of running, conditioning, and shooting,” Kidd said. “I thought the energy from the guys was really, really good.”
While Dončić is sidelined, the Mavericks will evaluate how they’d handle potential absences in the regular season. With the return of Spencer Dinwiddie, a key player from their 2022 Western Conference Finals run, the team has capable options to fill in. Jaden Hardy, Dante Exum, and two-way signee Brandon Williams could see increased playing time, helping the coaching staff determine early-season rotations behind Dončić and Kyrie Irving.
Thompson Leading His New Teammates
Klay Thompson, meanwhile, has already sensed the start of something special after participating in runs with Dončić. On Media Day, Thompson even said Dončić might be the best pick-and-roll player he’s ever seen.
“Coming from the Warriors' system, I know it’s going to take some time to adjust. In Golden State, it was a lot of motion, a lot of reads,” Thompson explained. “Now, here in Dallas, it’s more structured, more pick-and-roll. Luka in the pick-and-roll might be the best I’ve ever seen, so it’s just about finding my spots and figuring out how to contribute within that system."
Thompson is already leading his new teammates, particularly Grimes, who has been spending a lot of time with Thompson in shooting drills. Grimes has been learning tips to maximize his impact in pin-downs, which many refer to as the "Klay action."
“I’ve been talking his ear off the whole time,” Grimes said. “I’m with him every day, shooting after practice. He’s been a really good mentor, giving me tips on how to get easier shots off pin-downs. It’s called the 'Klay action' for a reason. Learning from one of the best shooters ever is only going to elevate my game.”
Part of their drills includes Thompson setting screens, which Grimes highlighted as a valuable element of Thompson’s game since it leverages the attention he commands to give the offense an advantage.
“If he sets a screen for me, it opens up an opportunity for me to slip to the basket and get an easy layup because he draws so much attention, both on and off the ball,” Grimes explained. “Learning from him is only going to make me better.”
Looking Ahead to Preseason and Regular Season
The Mavericks tend to use their preseason finale as a dress rehearsal, which will be played against the Milwaukee Bucks on Oct. 17. With over two weeks to recover and prepare, Dončić could use the finale as a prime opportunity to gain competitive reps with Thompson.
Dončić, who helped lead the Mavericks to the NBA Finals last season, is coming off a stellar campaign in which he averaged 33.9 points, 9.8 assists, and 9.2 rebounds in 70 regular-season games. He finished third in MVP voting and earned his fifth All-NBA First-Team selection. During the postseason, he averaged 28.9 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 8.1 assists over 22 games.
The Mavericks will continue their training camp in Las Vegas, with Dončić expected to sit out until he is re-evaluated. The team opens its regular season on Oct. 24 against the San Antonio Spurs, and the Mavericks are optimistic that Dončić will be fully ready to set the tone at the start.
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