Head coach Rick Carlisle has claimed that Dallas Mavericks center Samuel Dalembert needs to get into better shape ahead of the new season.

The Mavericks lost 94-92 to the New Orleans Pelicans in a pre-season game on Monday night, and Carlisle reveals that he voiced his concerns about Dalembert's presence on the court.

"I just told him in front of the whole team that he's got to keep working," Carlisle told reporters. "We need his minutes. They're going to be very important to us. He's a factor.

"When he's in shape, he's a factor as a rim protector and rebounder, and he gives you a big, active, athletic body in there."

Dalembert joined Dallas in the summer following a season with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Written by
Callum Mulvihill