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Dallas Mavericks rookie forward Jae Crowder left Friday's preseason match-up against the Charlotte Bobcats with a hamstring injury. Crowder clutched his hamstring immediately following a dunk in the closing minutes of the game, and left the game immediately, per Mavericks broadcaster Mark Followill. His status remains unknown, according to Dwain Price of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Crowder was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the 34th overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft, and was immediately traded to the Mavericks. Crowder has been a pleasant surprise for the Mavericks this preseason, averaging over 11 points and 4 rebound per game, including 21 points and 9 rebounds Wednesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Dallas expected Crowder to receive additional playing time early in the season as Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki recovers from knee surgery.
The Mavericks open the regular season visiting the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, October 30th. Dallas' front line will be led by offseason acquisitions Chris Kaman and Elton Brand.
Stay tuned for more information as this story develops.