Dallas Mavericks: Best of training camp Day 1 from coach Rick Carlisle

Dallas Mavericks: Best of training camp Day 1 from coach Rick Carlisle’s media session

The Dallas Mavericks are hoping to take another leap this season. Tuesday was the first step in that journey. Training camp officially kicked off with individual workouts. Teams will not be able to have everyone working together until Friday, but basketball is officially back.

The Mavericks are transforming it from media day to media week in 2020. They will have different players available each day to discuss the upcoming season.

It started on Tuesday with head coach Rick Carlisle, who had plenty to say about the Mavs. Let us take a look at the highlights from his opening media session.

Best of Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle’s first media availability of the season

Coach Carlisle wasted no time in letting fans know that they are emphasizing improving defensively. He circled back multiple times in the sit-down to talk about how important defense is to winning including pointing to the 2011 Mavs championship team’s success on that end of the floor. That was far from the only topic discussed, though.

Carlisle had this to say about Kristaps Porzingis’ health heading into training camp.

"“KP is doing well. His rehab has gone without issue. He’s on schedule. If anything, we are having to hold him back right now. He’s back to doing light court work. Things are going well. He will not play until at least January. When we get to January, we can give you a better update on where things are. He is 12 weeks from surgery this coming Friday, and again, things have gone well and without issue.”"

Carlisle also let fans know that every player is back, and the plan is to begin team workouts on Friday, which is the first possible day. Things should be rolling quickly in Dallas.

Carlisle had this to say about what improvements Luka Doncic made this offseason.

"“He’s 21. He is getting better all the time. His game continues to be more and more refined each year in all areas. He’s a special player. He’s a special person. He’s a special leader on our team. I don’t know exactly what it is going to be, but I do think you are going to see continued development and continued growth.”"

The Mavs are expecting Luka to be in the hunt to win MVP this season. The 21-year-old could average a 30-point triple-double per game as he leads Dallas on a deep playoff run.

Carlisle had this to say on where Josh Richardson fits on the Mavs.

"“I really like what I’ve seen in the gym and looking at film. I’ve always been a big admirer of his game. He is a high-level defensive player which is something that we really need. We’ve been looking for a guy that can guard point guards and be able to score off the ball or be able to take the ball and let Luka work off the ball. I think he gives us that kind of flexibility. He’s a guy from afar that I’ve always thought would be a really good fit with Luka Doncic.”"

Dallas Mavericks fans are going to love Josh Richardson. Expect the 27-year-old to have a career-year playing next to Luka too.

There was so much more in the first media session of the season with coach Carlisle including his thoughts on what J.J. Barea means to the team. Fans can listen to the entire interview below.

It should be a fun season full of excitement. Supports will not want to miss a second of the action, so please stay tuned.