VARIETY OF WAYS

Caron Butler pops a
jumper off  Danny Granger
of the Indiana Pacers in
file photo.

Take it from Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle that Caron Butler will be an integral part of the team next season. Carlisle said that he plans to play multiple positions for Butler, according to ESPN.com. Butler is working out vigorously this summer to get ready for the Mavericks training camp. And Carlisle likes what he saw in the 6-7 former Connecticut standout when he visited him recently in the D.C. area.

“He's going to play a lot of three, he's going to play some two and he may even play some four this year. I went and saw him after the season in D.C., and we spent some time on some things for him to work on this summer that I think were important. One of the things we both talked about was him getting a little bit lighter. I have no doubt he's going to come in here ready to go. Caron's doing great. I just think it will help his overall game and help us.”