Dirk Nowitzki Injury: Updates on Mavericks Star's Achilles and Return

Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki was dealing with a lingering Achilles strain and had not played since Nov. 27. However, he has been cleared to return. 

Continue for updates. 

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Nowitzki Active vs. Clippers

Friday, Dec. 23

Head coach Rick Carlisle said Nowitzki will play against the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday, per Earl K. Sneed of Mavs.com.

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Nowitzki Comments on Achilles Injury

Saturday, Dec. 3

Nowitzki spoke about his rehab on Saturday, per Sneed:

"

Just had a little setback. It's unfortunate. At this stage of my career, I don't move well anyways. It's tough to watch, but I try to stay positive and try to keep a positive attitude with the guys on off days. Hopefully I'll be back soon, and we can run off some wins. That's the only way I look at it. This is obviously not a career-ending injury. Just been lingering, unfortunately. Hopefully I'll be back out there soon.

"

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Nowitzki Unable to Shake Achilles Troubles

At 38 years old, any sort of significant injury will bring a player's basketball mortality into question—especially for a player who has appeared in only five games this season because of an Achilles injury.

Like any player in the twilight of his career, Nowitzki has seen a dip in production this year, averaging 12.2 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.

However, having scored more than 29,000 points during a 19-year career, Nowitzki is the greatest player in Mavericks history and one of the best international imports the NBA has ever seen:

The reliable forward, who has played in 70 or more games in 14 different seasons, was an integral part of the Mavericks' lone championship run. They've made the postseason in 15 of the past 16 years. 

Nowitzki's return gives Dallas the face of their franchise back as they look to rebound from a nightmarish 8-21 start.