DALLAS – Despite being out for the rest of the 2010-11 NBA regular season, Dallas Mavericks forward Caron Butler is in good spirits as he rehabs from a partial tear of the patellar tendon in his right knee.
While in town for the Super Bowl, I had a chance to catch up with Butler following the Mavericks 102-92 victory over his former team, the Washington Wizards. Butler, a Wisconsin native, is attending the Super Bowl on Sunday in order to cheer on his Green Bay Packers. Has Butler ruled out a return for the playoffs? Find out.
BET.com: How is the rehab coming along?
Caron Butler: It’s coming along good. Today is the first day I have been able to bend it. It’s been straight for a month now. Having an opportunity to get my walking pattern back is big. I’m glad to be able to do that finally.
And you’re out for the regular season and going to try to return for the playoffs?
Yeah, maybe the playoffs. That’s the big push. Four-to-six months so you’re looking at like the 2nd round of the Western Conference playoffs. That’s something I’m really pushing for.
Based on your tweets, you have been really upbeat despite the injury. What keeps you going?
Family and just knowing it could be worse. Obviously I keep my faith in God and I don’t question what happens. This is one of those situations where you just have to continue to go forward. Or you can soak in your misery and it can go totally the opposite way. Just rehabbing and trying to remain positive and move forward.
Your former team is in town, did you have a chance to catch up with anyone?
I saw Andray, JaVale, Nick. Ernie Grunfeld, the president and general manager. Saw a couple other people. I just talked to them and exchanged words, letting the guys know I miss them and it’s still all love. It was good.
How does American Airlines arena stand out from other arenas in the league?
Mark Cuban and everyone has done a great job of getting the fans so involved with this ball club. Before the game, season ticket holders line up in the hallway and they get a chance to interact with us in the tunnel as we prepare for our prayer and head out to the court. There are so many hands on activities. I think we do the most community appearances by double than any team in the NBA. We had a great interaction. They support us. We support them. It’s a great marriage.
You’re a Wisconsin native and the Green Bay Packers are in the Super Bowl. What’s your prediction?
I got Green Bay, all day. Unfortunately, the Pittsburgh Steelers were in the house tonight but it’s OK. They are second best, it’s cool.
Are you going to the Super Bowl?
Yeah, definitely going to the game. Our owner is a huge Pittsburgh guy but we will be sitting in his suite, rooting for the Packers.
