Report: Mavericks' Courtney Lee Underwent Surgery on 'Significant' Calf Injury

The Dallas Mavericks may reportedly need some reinforcements on the wing following Courtney Lee's calf injury that will require surgery.

Marc Stein of the New York Times reported the news, noting the setback happened during the league's hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tim MacMahon of ESPN confirmed the report and said the injury occurred during a "freak accident."

The Mavs later confirmed Lee suffered a calf injury during the break, noting no timetable has been set for his return:

Stein pointed out the Mavericks cannot make a signing unless they formally waive Lee, which is notable because the league's one-week translation window opens Tuesday.

The 6'5" guard was starting to prove his value in March when he assumed a larger role with Jalen Brunson and Dwight Powell sidelined by injuries. In seven games, the Western Kentucky product averaged 6.6 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game.

What's more, he connected on 46.7 percent of his three-point attempts during that span.

The Mavericks could have used his perimeter shooting if and when the season restarts in Orlando, Florida, because opposing defenses figure to collapse on Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis when the two stars are on the floor together, creating open looks for those on the wing.

Lee has also been a solid perimeter defender for Dallas this season and is holding opponents to a shooting percentage 3.6 percent worse than their normal average beyond 15 feet when he guards them, per NBA.com.

The 34-year-old is a veteran who has played for the Orlando Magic, New Jersey Nets, Houston Rockets, Boston Celtics, Memphis Grizzlies, Charlotte Hornets and New York Knicks in his career.

The Indianapolis native has made 50 playoff appearances, which include helping the 2008-09 Magic make the NBA Finals, and figured to be someone the Mavericks could rely on as a veteran and postseason-tested leader during what will surely be an unusual situation with a championship on the line.