Dirk Nowitzki dealing with a hip contusion, to sit out Tuesday

Well, 36-year-old veteran Dirk Nowitzki is certainly inviting age jokes to be directed his way at Dallas Mavericks training camp.

Nowitzki, entering his 17th season in the NBA, is dealing with a hip contusion. While head coach Rick Carlisle said Monday he does not believe it's a serious issue, Nowitzki will not suit up for the team's preseason game against the Houston Rockets on Tuesday.

The old guy, with a hip issue. Go figure.

Playing it safe with any ailment for Nowitzki makes a world of sense. He doesn't exactly need to get the reps in that younger players or players new to Carlisle's system need to, what with his 1,188 games of experience and all. With eight preseason games on the docket and more bodies than roster spots in camp, getting a longer look at some reserves won't be a bad thing, assuming Nowitzki's hip is fine.