Mavs' Powell still not fully cleared from FIBA injury

Blame Canada.

Dallas Mavericks center Dwight Powell still hasn't been fully cleared for contact in training camp, potentially putting him behind in the fight for a roster spot.

Powell injured his elbow playing for Canada at the FIBA Americas Championship in early September, and while he returned to play for the team later in the tournament, he's not expected to be cleared for camp activities until later this week. A player entering camp with an offseason injury is nothing extraordinary, but in Powell's case, with a non-guaranteed deal and no certainty of a roster spot, it underscores the risks of playing in international competition.

While the Mavericks have 15 guaranteed contracts in camp, it's believed there is competition for the final roster spots, specifically in the frontcourt. Powell appeared in 24 games with the Mavs last season, averaging 3.4 points and two rebounds in 9.5 minutes, and joined them for summer league this offseason.

That familiarity may give the Stanford product a leg up. It could also make him a candidate for the D-League as an affiliate player, if cut. Powell spent 12 games in the D-League last year, averaging 26 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists.