Shane Larkin doing more drills, but not quite ready for practices

Rookie point guard Shane Larkin has begun doing lateral footwork to strengthen his surgically repaired right ankle.

He still isn’t ready to begin practicing, but that day is getting closer, he said.

“I feel good,” he said. “We’re just taking it slow and being extra careful. I really don’t know. I’m just listening to the trainer and the doctor. Whatever they tell me to do, I do. I’ve been progressing well so I’m going to keep doing what they tell me and hopefully I can get out there soon enough.”

Larkin and Devin Harris (left big toe surgery) will not be available early in the season, which will test the Mavericks’ depth at point guard.

“As the regular season comes along, I’m getting more and more antsy,” Larkin said. “I just have to be patient. I’d much rather miss this than go out there early and mess something else up and miss more time.”

Larkin said it’s almost like starting from scratch with his ankle strength.

“I’m trying to get my lateral quickness and my lateral strength back in my leg,” he said. “You don’t really know how much your body gets out of it when you’re out for three months. I was doing some of the drills and my feet weren’t with me. I tripped a couple times. Just getting everything back together again is tough.”


(dallasnews.com)