“When you have a severe injury, it can knock you out of that, but we know that he’s one of the best players. He’s always mentioned as an MVP candidate,” said Jason Kidd a week ago, providing an update on Luka Doncic. What was supposed to be a build-up to their success from the previous turned into a nightmare for the Dallas Mavericks after the Slovenian sustained a left calf strain during the Mavericks-Timberwolves Christmas Day game. Along with affecting his run, the player’s absence has left his teammates to fend for themselves, struggling to get the better of the teams they left in the dust a season ago. Furthermore, it does not help that the Mavericks’ injury report is now accumulating more names.

In light of this, the head coach looked to provide some clarity with an injury update.

Speaking out prior to the Mavericks-Timberwolves matchup, Jason Kidd touched base on Dereck Lively II before getting to the Slovenian. The center had sustained a right ankle sprain during the January 14 loss against the Denver Nuggets. After his absence from the next three games, further examination revealed that he had suffered structural damage to his foot. As a result, Lively II is now set to be ‘OUT’ for at least two months!

When asked how the player took the news, Kidd replied, “Disappointed. (He) wanted to get back, but the images showed something different. And so, he’s ‘OUT’”. Rest and rehab were what Lively II needed now, the head coach revealed.

As for Luka Doncic, the 25-year-old has gotten into a rehab process now. Reports reveal that Doncic has been spotted in practice sessions, shooting standstill jumpers. Addressing the same, Coach Kidd revealed that the 5x All-Star’s rehab process “looks great. I think he’s trending in the right direction. He’s doing everything he’s supposed to do.” Despite this, the timeline of the player’s return is still unsure.

Prior to Luka Doncic’s injury, the Mavericks seemed to be on the right track. They had won 14 of their previous 17 games leading up to Christmas Day. However, playing without their lead scorer took a toll on the squad. Even with the presence of veteran stars like Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson, the team lost 9 of their 13 matchups. It reduced their win record to 23-20, causing them to lose their high seed on the points table. At a time like this, what was needed was a ray of hope. Dereck Lively II provided the opposite with his injury update.

Dereck transformed the Mavericks through his defensive rim protection, offensive lob threat, and athleticism. Therefore, his absence will surely cause his team to go through some additional major setbacks.

Amidst all this, No. 77 has chosen to be optimistic. Bearing his potential return timeline in mind, he has set a realistic goal for his return. One which the Mavericks may, or may not, choose to listen to.

Luka Doncic expects himself to return before All-Star Break, claims renowned ESPN analyst

Upon sustaining a left calf strain, Luka Doncic was expected to be re-evaluated after a month. This meant that the player was expected to be ‘OUT’ for 17 games, with 11 against the top 10 teams of both conferences! Having missed 13 games, surely the 6’6 guard’s return would be imminent, right? Well, while the Mavericks themselves haven’t revealed anything, the player in question has.

Speaking out during a segment of ‘NBA on ESPN,’ Shams Charania revealed that “I’m told Luka Doncic’s goal is to be back before the All-Star break in Mid-February, but that is his goal. And the Mavericks have to be cautious. He’s had multiple calf injuries on his injured calf just this season.”

The goal that Doncic has set for himself indicates his eagerness to return to the court. After all, the ‘Big D’ have already gone as low as they could. Discussing that eagerness, Kidd spoke during the pre-game presser, “He’s (Doncic) been out long enough and that this is probably the longest he’s ever been out, so I think it’s safe to say he’d like to be back”.

So would thousands of Mavericks fans!

No matter what happens, it’s safe to say that the Dallas Mavericks may not hope to have the same level of success as they had in the previous season. Whether this also means them being eliminated by not making it to the playoffs at all is something that remains to be seen.