The Dallas Mavericks need all the help they can get for the coming season and one of the team's acknowledged stars could very well help out the beleaguered ball club.

Chandler Parsons, long out due to a knee injury, finally made his return against the Los Angeles Lakers last Sunday but was expectedly not fielded in via his usual minutes.

With Parsons opting to go with a hybrid rather than a full microfracture surgery, head coach Rick Carlisle is playing it safe to make sure that the 27-year-old forward does not force the issue and put more stress on his tender knees.

Parsons would have been out for a longer period of time had he gone the full surgery route, hence the precautions being taken by the Dallas Mavericks.

Parsons was an active figure in the recruitment of DeAndre Jordan in the offseason. When the deal broke down, he was among the people who were upset with the center for standing the team up. Such proved to be costly for the Mavericks, leaving a gaping hole in the lineup as well as costing them the chance for other marquee players in the offseason.

The Mavs ended up searching for the best available talent they could, landing several players who can hopefully account for a reasonable season for Dallas.

Wesley Matthews was the only key recruit this season, and he has been proving to be a good addition despite the fact that he is coming off an injury.

If Parsons is able to regain his old form, the Mavs could make a serious run at the playoffs even though they are not among the favorites to do so.

This early, the Mavs are doing well, although it is still early in the season to assess how far they would go.

With the Mavs booked in a highly competitive Western Conference, the odds may not be in their favor, although making it to the post season is not entirely impossible.