Dallas Mavericks: Jalen Brunson not in Orlando: Out for NBA Disney

Dallas Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson is not in Orlando: Out for season’s restart

The Dallas Mavericks are inside the bubble in Orlando preparing for the season’s restart. They have made it through six practices so far. The team appears to be jelling and enjoying their time together.

Fans knew Jalen Brunson, Dwight Powell, and Courtney Lee would not play in Orlando. All three are recovering from season-ending injuries. Willie Cauley-Stein opted out of the restart. The Mavericks signed Trey Burke as a substitute for WCS. The three injured players were expected to join the team in the bubble.

Coach Rick Carlisle broke the news on Thursday that Brunson is not with the Mavs. Find out why and what it means moving forward.

Jalen Brunson did not travel with the Dallas Mavericks to Orlando: Out for season’s restart

Carlisle was asked about Powell, Brunson, and Lee joining the Mavericks in Orlando despite not being able to play. He started off by stating their importance to the team before saying this quote.

"“Jalen is staying in Dallas to finish up his rehab. He is really in the latter stages of it. In his conversations with Casey (Smith), Dionne (Calhoun), and Jeremy (Holsopple) it is better suited to finish up his rehab in Dallas, so he has stayed behind.”"

That prompted a follow up on if Brunson would play in Orlando if the Mavericks made a deep playoff run. Carlisle replied with this answer.

"“No, we are not. We have decided quite a while ago that that would not be an option. He (Brunson) and Dwight will not be involved in anything regardless of how long our run in the playoffs go.”"

Carlisle went on to praise Brunson’s importance and how that played a factor in the team not pushing him to be ready for the restart. See the coach’s full press conference from July 16 below.

Brunson being out opens the door for J.J. Barea, Delon Wright, and Seth Curry to grab more minutes in Orlando. The Mavs will need someone to step up and play that backup point guard role when Luka Doncic needs a rest. Trey Burke will also factor into the mix. Expect Barea to be in the lead to take on Brunson’s minutes during the restart.

Hopefully, Jalen Brunson is back on the court for the opening night of the 2020-2021 season. It sounds like his rehab is going well. Seeing him back in uniform will be a plus for Dallas Mavericks fans. Keep it locked to The Smoking Cuban for all the news and analysis on the restart.