The Dallas Mavericks won’t be getting Caron Butler back for their conference semifinal series with the Los Angeles Lakers. ESPN reports that Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle declared that Butler will not play as he has not been cleared by doctors. Carlisle’s declaration immediately quells hopes of Maverick fans who were looking forward to Butler’s return spurred on by Butler’s practicing and taking part in shooting drills of late.
Although Butler’s return would’ve served as a boost to theirchances in beating the two time champion Lakers, the Mavs were able to beat the Lakers without him once this season. On the flip side, they also lost two games to the Lakers without him. What was done in the regular season is in the wind now anyway; win now and maybe Butler can return in the conference finals.