Players will bring issues

The Mavericks are waiting for players to start trickling back into town for training camp, which starts in 11 days. Some, like Erick Dampier and Roddy Beaubois have been here all summer working out. Others are just getting back or soon will. One of the interesting things to keep an eye on leading up to camp is the health of their injured players. We know Tim Thomas (right knee) won't be ready for the start of camp. But what about J.J. Barea, who had shoulder surgery in June? Or Josh Howard, whose wrist and ankle got a much needed summer of R & R (rest and repair). If it's best for those players to ease them in to training camp, then that's what the Mavericks should, and will, do. Most importantly, I just wish we could teleport 10 days into the future. We've had enough time without the thump-thump of the NBA season. --Eddie Sefko