"Caron Butler said he believes the Mavericks still have something special going on here, despite the current six-game losing streak.

And he's holding out hope that he might still be part of the ride come playoff time.

Butler, who ruptured a right knee tendon Jan. 2 and needed surgery, was a visitor to practice Tuesday. He was there to offer support to his teammates, who clearly are struggling after six consecutive losses.

Butler spoke to media members for the first time since his injury and said that if the Mavericks could make a deep playoff run, he's not ruling out playing again this season.

"They say four months, four to five months," Butler said. "That's what I keep yelling. Give me four months, and I'm good. I've had this before when I was 15. I know exactly what to do. {ellipsis} I just need some time." Four months from his surgery would be the first week of May, which is usually when the second round of the playoffs start."