The Dallas Mavericks are making full use of their G League affiliate, the Texas Legends. They need to add impact pieces to their team and still haven’t fully recovered from an injury-laden 2022 campaign. Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively are out due to injury, but they’re prepared to step on to the practice court. They’ll join Anthony Davis in their race to rebound from early exits. Gafford has been returning from a sprained MCL in his right knee since February 10th. All the while, Lively has been out with a stress fracture in his right ankle since January 14. This marks the first time that Gafford and Lively have been assigned to the G League team following their injuries.
With their roster threadbare, the Mavericks are fighting uphill. They’ve gone into games playing with only eight players, the minimum required to field a team in the WNBA. This difficult circumstance has required, at times, the use of the Texas Legends to allow players to heal and get back into playing shape. Davis last played on Feb. 8 and has been out with a left adductor strain since. This week, we’ll see him practice and scrimmage with the Legends for a second time as he continues to go through his rehabilitation process.
Kessler Edwards, the other major domino on the Mavs’ side, is working through contract limitations. Edwards has been a regular starter for the team so far with whatever minutes he is able to accrue before his two-way contract ends. He would be able to play only one additional game on this contract before it expires. This limitation further complicates the Mavericks’ already convoluted roster troubles.
The Texas Legends are holding extended practices to keep Gafford, Lively and Davis sharp for their return. These sessions are key in assisting them return from long-term injury lay-offs. Mixing these players into the G League crown jewel apparatus is the key. Most importantly, it keeps them conditioned and game-ready to return to the Mavericks for their next games.
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