Caron Butler unlikely for playoffs return

The next time Caron Butler plays in a game will likely be during the 2011-12 season. Dallas Mavericks president Donnie Nelson all but ruled out a return at any point during the playoffs for the rehabilitating small forward.

"I think everyone, including Caron himself," Nelson said, "understands that that would be next to impossible."

Butler suffered a ruptured right patellar tendon Jan. 1, an injury that had to be surgically repaired. The Mavericks originally announced that Butler's season was over, but Butler set a goal of returning during the playoffs and he continues to aggressively rehab.