Nowitzki out ‘multiple weeks’ as left ankle rehab continues

DALLAS, TX – SEPTEMBER 29: DeAndre Jordan #6 and Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks talk on the bench during a preseason game against the Beijing Ducks at American Airlines Center on September 29, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images/AFP

DALLAS — Dirk Nowitzki’s debut in his record 21st season with the Dallas Mavericks won’t be in the opener.

Coach Rick Carlisle said Friday the 40-year-old Nowitzki will miss “multiple weeks” with a longer-than-expected recovery from left ankle surgery in April. The Mavericks open the season Wednesday in Phoenix.

Nowitzki said he had a setback when he started playing again about a week before training camp. He hasn’t practiced in the preseason. The surgery just before the end of last season was to remove bone spurs.

Carlisle said the 13-time All-Star was doing better but hasn’t done any significant work on the court.