Marion And Howard Coming Off Mavs Bench?

Mavs 113, Pistons 88: Carlisle Pushes Wings To 'Play Catch-Up'

Mike Fisher -- DB.com

   It isn’t just assumed that when healthy, Josh Howard (ankle) and Shawn Marion (calf) are penciled into the Mavs’ starting lineup; it’s assumed they are cemented in. Both were in street clothes during Thursday’s 113-88 preseason win over the visiting Pistons as they nurse those injuries in anticipation of reclaiming starting jobs by the Oct. 27 regular-season opener.

   But not so fast, says coach Rick Carlisle, keeping his cement from drying.

   "They're going to have to catch up," Carlisle said. "We've got to go with the guys who are healthy and available. Who knows? We may end up with two terrific players coming off the bench if they're not back soon."

   Yeah, that’d be great! Marion and Howard coming off the bench would … wait. … what?

   Carlisle issued the comment in a way that sort of enveloped it inside a rush of other comments … so I followed up.

   “Rick,’’ I asked, “is that a threat or a promise?’’

   “It’s just an observation,’’ Carlisle replied.

   The Mavs have tinkered all fall with different lineups and combinations; on Thursday, Roddy Beaubois started at the 2 (and did fine) with James Singleton at the 3 (not so fine). Quinton Ross … JJ Barea … Matt Carroll … a lot of Mavs have worked the wings.

    “Guys have stepped in and helped us win ballgames,’’ said Jason Kidd, “so I think we are kind of used to the injury thing. We just play with the guys that can go.”

    The tinkering may be in preparation for if the Mavs’ pair of All-Star-caliber wings can’t go. But I would say Carlisle’s remarks are slightly more than “casual observation.’’ I characterize them as an attempt to find a balance for Howard or Marion between “caution’’ and “make sure you’re doing everything you can to rehab your way to 100 percent.’’

   On Thursday night, Howard did that work in the practice-court gym. Meanwhile, Marion did his work in the exercise swimming pool.

   “After that,’’ Marion said, laughing, “I feel like I could run a two-minute mile.’’

   Moving forward that quickly in two minutes won’t be necessary.

   Moving forward in two weeks will do.