The Dallas Mavericks had hoped that JaVale McGee would fill in the void left by Tyson Chandler who is now with the Phoenix Suns. Comparing both players, McGee, of course, comes close to Chandler as far as taking a look at the roster of the Mavs for the coming season is concerned.
But the thing is McGee is still not at 100%. In fact, he hasn't been given the full green light by doctors due to injury.
McGee has been bothered by a leg injury which has been the cause of his sidelining in the past two seasons. Apparently, the recovery from surgery performed on a stress fracture in his left tibia hasn't fully healed.
Such has become a frustration for McGee seems to be eager to spring back to action with the Mavericks this season.
"I don't even believe in hope," said McGee, who would need weeks of conditioning work after he is fully cleared to get in proper basketball shape. "I just let it happen. Whatever happens, and however fast it's supposed to happen, it'll happen," he added.
Obviously, the Mavs could get a big lift from McGee once he is healthy. He is a defensive presence and has been known to provide energy each time he takes the floor. Such is believed to be the reason why he was taken in, carrying the intangibles that could rub off on his teammates.
"We know what he's capable of doing," coach Rick Carlisle said. "He has a body of work. We know he's an NBA player, and we know he has the ability to be a starting player in the NBA. We know he's very motivated to play. He's just had a very odd rehab situation that's been addressed and he's doing much better," he added.
Right now, it all seems to boil down on when McGee will be given the green light to play. There seems to be limitations for now on what he can do on the court but the Mavs (and McGee) are hopeful that he can finally show the stuff that he has been known for.
It is now a question of time which both the Mavs and McGee don't really have control of.
