Anthony Davis returned to the Dallas Mavericks after missing six weeks with injuries, but that may not have been the best idea.
On March 24th, Anthony Davis was suitable for the second game for the Dallas Mavericks. His debut shortly after being traded with Dallas for Luka Donsic, he was spectacular three-quarters before suffering a calf injury.
He then had to sit for six weeks. Meanwhile, the Mavericks fell from grace and are now out of play-in photos.
Davis could potentially be able to make a postseason if he could play All-Star basketball to close out the Mavericks season, but if his performance against the Brooklyn Nets was any indication, that could be a hopeful idea.
Dallas won 120-101, but Davis only offered 12 points and six rebounds.
While there is no doubt that the Mavericks lost the deal by sending Don Sic to the Los Angeles Lakers, they managed to regain the top 15 players with Davis, his history of massive injuries does not point out that he has a long and successful career in Texas.
But with the Lakers mount, Donsic’s pressure to play well, both Maverick and Davis may be out to prove they’re a real threat.
“As an injured player and clearly have a huge history of AD injuries, I can’t wait to return to the basketball court from an AD standpoint,” ESPN’s Carlos Boozer outlined.
“His reputation at his boundary line, they traded Luka and saw the Lakers shine. It’s the team he just came and everyone knows he’s paying attention.
With the Mavericks having an offseason (or more) to recover from the long list of injuries this season, the trio of Irving, Davis and Klay Thompson is one of the better rosters in the NBA, prompting the Mavericks to give fans a taste this season.
“Even if he plays the final 10 games of the season, they slip into 10th place, win one or two games, get the eighth seed, get the Oklahoma City Thunder and go home anyway.
Davis might want to play, but Mavs might want to win, but in reality they lose in the first round. So it’s better to land the best possible draft picks and make sure there are no more devastating injuries piled up.
There’s a draft class loaded in 2025, and you’ll need to add more depth and talent around the stars, and in theory you’ll need to waving a white flag in the season to look ahead.
Nico Harrison and his team ownership clearly believe that the team can compete and become one of the best and best of the next season, so instead of putting everything in danger for a lost cause, they need to prepare for next year.
That’s the biggest reason Dallas has been encouraged to close Davis despite what he “feels”.
“I understand what he feels,” said Stephen A. Smith, who wants Davis to play. “Hell with his feelings! The organization needs to pay attention.”
In his 13 NBA seasons, Davis has only appeared in more than 65 games five times. Dallas should proceed with caution to give him the best chance next season.
“I’m looking at Anthony Davis and his history of injuries, and I’m ‘Yes! I don’t want to play him!” Now he wants to play,” admitted Smith. “From ownership to Nico Harrison to Jason Kidd, this brother can be injured at any time.”
If Dallas was still alive not only for the play-in appearance, but also for the actual playoff spot, Boozer’s argument makes more sense, but with only 10 games left, it could do more harm than Davis better.