For a player who just signed a fresh four-year pact worth $70 million, Wesley Matthews is certainly in a rush to show the Dallas Mavericks that signing him was a pretty good decision. In fact, he says that he is aching to take the floor as early as the NBA opening which happens this coming October.
But the question right now is on whether his rant was official or something coming from the heart. It will be recalled that Matthews is currently on the mend after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon back in March, and his return to 100% could take some time.
Matthews, however, said that he plans to return by the time the curtains are raised this October via Mavs Moneyball, adding that he has started to do some shooting and dribbling on the court.
Now those drills are, of course, a positive sign but when you talk about actual gameplay, the scenario is quite different. The physical toll from playing physical basketball is bound to be a big risk for the 28-year-old shooting guard, whom coach Rick Carlisle plans to put in incrementally.
Seeing how the Mavericks urgently need a lot of help, that piece would, of course, bring a smile to team owner Mark Cuban. However, it may not be something to smile about especially if one considers the long-term expectations the Mavs are pinning on the undrafted player from the 2009 NBA Draft.
The Mavs will need all the help they can get and Matthews is viewed as one of the players not only for the coming year but for the future. He reunites with Deron Williams who is also aching to get his groove back. Could the Matthews–Williams connection click?
If it does, that would be a great sign for Dallas fans. But to rush himself into action is a pretty big risk. Matthews wants to play but it may all fall on what coach Carlisle deems best.
