As expected, JJ Redick went through his first full Mavericks practice Saturday and reported no issues with his sore right heel and Achilles.
Now for the unexpected part: Though Redick has been ruled out for Sunday’s home game against San Antonio, coach Rick Carlisle said there is a chance the 36-year-old guard could make his Mavericks debut as soon as Monday’s home game against Philadelphia.
“He really is a very intense, machine-like worker,” Carlisle said. “A guy like that is great for the culture of your team. It was great having him out there [Saturday], in as much of a full practice situation as you can get in this kind of a season.”
Redick said his heel and Achilles felt sore during practice but they are “sore all the time. I’m just managing right now. It was the first time going live and I thought it went really well.”
When he does return, it will be his first game action since March 3. The following day he had a non-surgical procedure done to his heel to help alleviate the soreness.
He hopes to bolster a Mavericks team that has won six of its last seven games, as well as 20 of its last 28.
“I hope I help them a lot,” he said. “But definitely spreading the floor, giving space to guys like Jalen [Brunson] and Luka [Doncic]. And hopefully being a voice of leadership and reason and going out there and competing and winning games.
“But we’re doing great right now without me. I don’t want to mess anything up.”
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