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03-01-2010, 09:36 PM
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/basketball/mavs/stories/030210dnspomavsider.2d636f4.html
Tim Thomas caring for ill wife; Dallas Mavericks don't expect him back this season
05:51 PM CST on Monday, March 1, 2010
By EDDIE SEFKO / The Dallas Morning News
[email protected]
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – For most of the last two months, Tim Thomas hasn't been with the Mavericks because some things are far more important than basketball.
The 6-10 forward has been caring for his wife, Tricia, who has been suffering from serious health issues for over a year now.
"I had to give up doing something I love to take care of someone I love," Thomas said.
During his time away from the team, the Mavericks and Thomas have not commented on the reason for his absence. Every game, the same explanation is given: not with the team, personal reasons.
But this had nothing to do with any kind of truant behavior such as the Mavericks went through with Shawne Williams.
This episode is much more painful for Thomas and the organization.
"Right now, my wife has to be my priority," Thomas said while talking publicly Monday about the situation for the first time. "The Mavs have been tremendous through this whole thing. They've allowed me to do what I have to do."
Thomas wants to keep the nature of his wife's illness private. But he said she has been dealing with the situation and there is hope that things are improving.
The Mavericks have given Thomas all the latitude he needs to care for his wife and their three young children.
"Tim has the organization's full support and understanding," coach Rick Carlisle said. "The door's open for him to return if that becomes a viable option for him and his family. But we completely understand the urgency of his situation. Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with him and his family."
At this point, there is no plan for him to return this season. Thomas said a best-case scenario would be that things turn for the better, and he might be able to help the team in the playoffs.
Thomas' season started with knee surgery that kept him out of the first 11 games. He then averaged 7.5 points in 16 minutes while appearing 18 games with one start. He's missed the last 16 games and 22 of the last 23. The team has missed him, particularly now when they are short on big men.
"I guess this season just wasn't meant to be for me," Thomas said. "But I believe everything happens for a reason. I've been working out as much as I can, but as of now, I've got to be here for my wife and kids.
"I miss being with the guys, but some things are more important. I hope they can win a championship and I can help them celebrate it."
Tim Thomas caring for ill wife; Dallas Mavericks don't expect him back this season
05:51 PM CST on Monday, March 1, 2010
By EDDIE SEFKO / The Dallas Morning News
[email protected]
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – For most of the last two months, Tim Thomas hasn't been with the Mavericks because some things are far more important than basketball.
The 6-10 forward has been caring for his wife, Tricia, who has been suffering from serious health issues for over a year now.
"I had to give up doing something I love to take care of someone I love," Thomas said.
During his time away from the team, the Mavericks and Thomas have not commented on the reason for his absence. Every game, the same explanation is given: not with the team, personal reasons.
But this had nothing to do with any kind of truant behavior such as the Mavericks went through with Shawne Williams.
This episode is much more painful for Thomas and the organization.
"Right now, my wife has to be my priority," Thomas said while talking publicly Monday about the situation for the first time. "The Mavs have been tremendous through this whole thing. They've allowed me to do what I have to do."
Thomas wants to keep the nature of his wife's illness private. But he said she has been dealing with the situation and there is hope that things are improving.
The Mavericks have given Thomas all the latitude he needs to care for his wife and their three young children.
"Tim has the organization's full support and understanding," coach Rick Carlisle said. "The door's open for him to return if that becomes a viable option for him and his family. But we completely understand the urgency of his situation. Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with him and his family."
At this point, there is no plan for him to return this season. Thomas said a best-case scenario would be that things turn for the better, and he might be able to help the team in the playoffs.
Thomas' season started with knee surgery that kept him out of the first 11 games. He then averaged 7.5 points in 16 minutes while appearing 18 games with one start. He's missed the last 16 games and 22 of the last 23. The team has missed him, particularly now when they are short on big men.
"I guess this season just wasn't meant to be for me," Thomas said. "But I believe everything happens for a reason. I've been working out as much as I can, but as of now, I've got to be here for my wife and kids.
"I miss being with the guys, but some things are more important. I hope they can win a championship and I can help them celebrate it."