Dallas Mavericks: Dirk Nowitzki has setback: Resting a few days

Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki made plenty of headlines on media day, but the under the radar story was the status of his ankle injury.

The Dallas Mavericks held their annual media day to begin the new season on Sept. 21.  Mavs legend and future first-ballot Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki was the topic of many conversations.  From him coming off the bench this season to his potential retirement, Dirk made plenty of headlines.  One aspect went under the radar, though.

Nowitzki’s season ended prematurely last year due to an ankle injury.  He missed the final four games and had ankle surgery in April to deal with the issue.  Dirk spent much of the offseason in Dallas rehabbing to be ready for this season.

Setback forcing him to rest

Dirk Nowitzki was looking healthy and even played in his annual Tennis Classic making fans feel assured he would be ready to go at the start of this season.  Then, this news came out of media day courtesy of Brad Townsend.

It sounds like Dirk will miss at least the first few days of practice, but Coach Carlisle did not rule him out of playing in their first preseason game on Sept. 29.  That makes the news not sound catastrophic, but a little worry is still there.

Isaac Harris reported on the Locked on Mavs podcast that Dirk had a “very visible limp” during media day.

Nowitzki turned 40 in June and the ankle could be a nagging issue all season long.  He should rest until he is fully healthy because the Mavs need him during the regular season.  Dirk is eager to play as he adjusts to a new role, but he needs to be healthy before taking the court.  Stay tuned for more news on the legend’s health as it becomes available.

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