Jose Calderon unlikely to play in preseason opener due to hamstring

The Mavericks kick off their preseason tonight against the New Orleans Hornets Pelicans, but they will likely do so without the services of free agent acquisition and projected starting point guard Jose Calderon.

Calderon, who "tweaked" his hamstring in a workout last Wednesday, missed practice on Thursday.  Word from the team indicates they do not consider the injury serious, but it should be noted that Calderon has had a history of leg problems.

It leaves Dallas with a pretty sizable hole at point guard.  Devin Harris is sidelined with a toe injuryfor which there does not appear to be a clear timeline for recovery.  First round pick Shane Larkin broke his ankle in summer league practice back in July and is apparently shooting for a late preseason return.

So, Gal Mekel is apparently going to see a lot of action, and it will be interesting -- to say the least -- to see where Rick Carlisle goes behind him as the offensive initiator.