Caron Butler has been saying for weeks that he expects to return to the court in time for the playoffs. The pace of his recovery has been even quicker than he expected.
↵↵↵"I knew I would be mobile because that's just the mentality I have because it's pain-tolerance and stuff like that," Butler said Tuesday. "But, to be mobile like this with no pain? No, I didn't think that. There's no pain, no swelling, so I'm like so happy right now."
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Butler injured his knee on January 1, so early May would ordinarily be the short end of a typical 4-6 month recovery for a torn patellar tendon. The playoffs begin in two months, so Butler would have to be fully recovered and in game shape in about three-and-a-half months to meet his goal.
↵He also has to survive the trade deadline.
↵↵↵Butler believes owner Mark Cuban will not only hold onto him for the remainder of the season, but will re-sign him as a free agent in the offseason.
↵"I really do. That's just how I feel," Butler said. "I think everything is meant to happen for a reason and I just see myself playing with Dallas this playoffs and for years to come. I just see that. I think it's a perfect marriage."
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