JaVale McGee may not be ready for Mavs' opener

So much for "getting back to that elite level."

While he may feel back to his old self, JaVale McGee remains out of action for the Dallas Mavericks. The 7-footer is still recovering from the stress fracture in his left tibia that has cost him most of the last two seasons, and head coach Rick Carlisle admitted Monday the team still doesn't have a timetable on McGee's return.

"If you're asking whether he's making progress, the answer is yes," Carlisle said. "Significant progress."

McGee has ramped up his activity over the last two weeks but still hasn't done "anything live." It's unlikely McGee will be ready for the start of the season, according to Eddie Sefko of Dallas News.

Signed to a two-year deal with $250,000 guaranteed this summer, the Mavericks had an idea that McGee may not be ready for the beginning of training camp, but his continued absence may cast a cloud on their final roster decisions. It's seemed like McGee was a smart bet to make the team, but the Mavericks are incredibly banged up and also have Dwight Powell, an out-of-shape Samuel Dalembert, and Salah Mejri fighting for a frontcourt spot, among others.

Despite the continued issues with his leg, McGee was able to appear in nine games between Jan. 29 and March 1 last season, returning to the Denver Nuggets in time to be traded to the Philadelphia 76ers and then subsequently waived.

The Michigan native indicated that the Mavericks' training staff was a major factor in where he signed. Still just 27, a healthy McGee playing at his former level could be a valuable depth piece for a Dallas team that needs help at the pivot. It just might take some patience to get him back to that point.

In 382 career games over seven seasons with three teams, McGee has averaged 8.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks in 19.9 minutes while shooting 54 percent from the floor. In 28 games over the past two seasons, he's averaged just 12 minutes, five points, 2.8 rebounds, and one block.