Tunisian professional basketball player for the Dallas Mavericks of the NBA, Salah Mejri, plays at the center position.
Salah Mejri could not play in Game 5 of the Dallas Mavericks ' matchup with the Thunder.Mejri was originally considered a game-time decision, but will be unable to suit up Monday due to a hip strain.
The injury was sustained in Game 4 on Saturday and knocked Mejri out in the fourth quarter. Even though he was in the layup line pregame, it is decided that he won’t be playing.
Mejri tried to talk Carlisle into letting him play. After further discussion with trainer Casey Smith, Carlisle decided to sit Mejri and the same was reported to media by Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle.
He had to sit back and watch his team-mates play the game while he wanted to be with his teammates in the fight.
Mejri told Sports day, “I want to be in this fight with these great teammates,” sitting in his locker room just before the game.
He became emotional as he thought about his first season in Dallas and the NBA. He says he is what he is today because his teammates, they have been a huge support to Mejri all this time.
Mejri said, “I’ve never been on another team in the NBA, so I can’t compare it.” “But from what I have lived the last eight months, I really believe we are like a family: A lot of respect, a lot of love, help, everybody helps everybody. In my situation, being new here, without these guys I would never be what I am now. They helped me a lot. I don’t want to give up on these guys.”
Although he did not play this match we expect to see him in upcoming matches. He has a long way to go and his coach and team owner also agree with this and say that he is only getting better as the time is passing.