Mavs' Nowitzki encouraged after first knee surgery

DALLAS (AP) -- Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki says he's encouraged after the first knee surgery of his career but says a timetable for his return is "pretty ridiculous to talk about."

Nowitzki walked gingerly but without a noticeable limp on Tuesday, four days after arthroscopic surgery on his ailing right knee. Coach Rick Carlisle said the 11-time All-Star was expected to miss six weeks.

The 34-year-old Nowitzki battled soreness and swelling in the knee throughout training camp and only played in one preseason game -- the opener in his native Germany.

Nowitzki has never missed more than nine games in a season during his 14-year career, but the Mavericks are likely to be more than 10 games into the season before he returns.