The Dallas Mavericks have high hopes for Anthony Davis heading into the upcoming NBA season. The former Los Angeles Lakers standout arrived in Dallas as the franchise centerpiece in the blockbuster trade for Luka Doncic, but managed to suit up in just nine regular‑season games after battling injuries. In advance of training camp, the big man recently underwent a procedure to repair a detached retina.
It’s another setback for the Mavericks, who are still waiting on Kyrie Irving’s return following last season’s torn ACL. Still, this procedure isn’t expected to be long‑term, and Davis should be ready for full participation in preseason workouts, sources tell ESPN’s Shams Charania.
“Dallas Mavericks All‑Star Anthony Davis underwent a procedure to repair a detached retina that he suffered during the season, sources tell ESPN. Davis played through multiple hits to the face last year. He is expected to be healthy for next training camp,” Charania reported on his X account (formerly Twitter).
Davis was only able to play nine games with the Mavericks during the regular season. In his debut for the Dallas franchise against the Rockets, he was unable to finish the game as he re-injured his groin, an injury he had previously sustained while playing for the Lakers.
During his abbreviated stint with the Mavericks, Davis averaged 20.0 points, 10.1 rebounds and 4.4 assists over nine games. In 42 regular‑season outings for the Lakers last year, he posted 25.7 points, 11.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists per contest.
What’s next for the Mavericks?
Dallas will next take the court in NBA Summer League action in Las Vegas on Thursday, July 10, facing the Lakers. All eyes will be on the Mavericks’ No. 1 overall pick, Cooper Flagg.
After Tuesday’s practice, Flagg spoke to reporters about the challenges of adapting to a new NBA environment. “It’s tough, it’s just always tough, you know, getting in a new setting, a new team,” Flagg said.
“A lot of these guys are going through this full process. Some guys have done it for a couple years, some guys it’s the first time like me… It’s hard, it’s never easy,” he continued. “But I think we got a good group of guys and, you know, a lot of good players. So, it should make it a little easier”.