The Dallas Mavericks have been without starting center Dwight Powell since January 21, when he ruptured his right Achilles tendon against the Los Angeles Clippers. Days later the Mavericks reacted quickly, trading for Golden State Warriors center Willie Cauley-Stein. This week it was announced that Cauley-Stein will be opting out of playing in Orlando, when the league returns in July.
While it’s understandable for any player in the league to not participate in Orlando with so much up in the air and everyone’s health on the line, it’s especially true for Cauley-Stein who will soon be welcoming a newborn with his partner.