Mavs don't rule out Caron Butler return

The Dallas Mavericks do not anticipate Caron Butler will be able to play in the NBA Finals, although a return remains a possibility.

"It's unlikely, but I can't say no for sure," coach Rick Carlisle said during a Thursday morning appearance on ESPN 103.3's "Ben and Skin Show."

Butler, a two-time All-Star who began his career with the Miami Heat, has been working to return from a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee. Butler is able to sprint and jump, but he has not yet been cleared for full-contact practice.

Butler, known by his "Tuff Juice" nickname, was averaging 15.0 points as the starting small forward for a 24-7 team when he was injured. The Mavs signed Peja Stojakovic in midseason to help fill the scoring void created by Butler's absence.

Butler wasn't able to contribute to the Mavs' Western Conference championship run, but his positive attitude and work ethic has been an inspiration to teammates and coaches.

"I just want to see him in layup lines," Dallas guard Jason Terry said recently. "If he can get up in layup lines, it's going to boost us immensely emotionally. He's been here the whole way, though. This guy has worked so hard to get ready."