The Dallas Mavericks are prepping to face the Utah Jazz in the first round of the playoffs, and fans are waiting on updates about Luka Doncic after he suffered a calf injury in the team’s regular-season finale. The 23-year-old superstar could miss some time, but the team is optimistic he avoided a serious injury.
Fans are wondering about injuries to two other Mavericks. Maxi Kleber is expected to return after missing the final four regular-season games with ankle soreness, and Tim Hardaway Jr. continues his recovery from foot surgery after going down on Jan. 25. The news is not as optimistic about THJ.
The 6’5 wing was spotted shooting at practice, but he is unlikely to return this season. Callie Caplan gave fans an update on Hardaway Jr. and here is a look at what fans should expect moving forward.
Tim Hardaway Jr. (foot) is making progress: Expected to miss 2022 NBA Playoffs
The Mavs were hoping Hardaway Jr. would be able to play in the postseason, so he could provide some shooting and floor spacing around superstar Luka Doncic. It was always a long shot, and Callie Caplan offered the latest update on his status heading into the first-round series against the Jazz.
Hardaway Jr. has just been limited to shooting, but he is making progress. The news was positive, despite not being what supporters wanted to hear. Hardaway Jr. should make a full recovery before training camp, and be at full strength for the 2022-2023 season.
The 30-year-old wing signed a four-year $75 million contract in the 2021 offseason. His salary decreases each year, and it will be interesting to see if the team shops him this offseason. THJ’s value will be depressed coming off foot surgery, but the Mavs are eager to jump into title contention and will be aggressive this offseason in upgrading their roster.
Stay tuned to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest on Tim Hardaway’s injury, and everything Dallas Mavericks fans crave this offseason, including news, rumors, and analysis.