The Dallas Mavericks’ season has taken a steep downturn following their blockbuster trade of Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. The plan was for Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis, the marquee piece in the trade for Doncic, to lead the team to the playoffs. However, both stars are currently sidelined with injuries, leaving the Mavs’ NBA postseason hopes hanging by a thread.
Since joining Dallas, Davis has yet to complete a full game. In his debut against the Houston Rockets, he showcased his immense talent with 26 points, 16 rebounds, and seven assists. Unfortunately, a mid-game injury forced him off the court, and that remains the only game he’s played in a Mavericks jersey.
While the team awaited his return, disaster struck again. Kyrie Irving suffered a torn ACL in his left knee, further dimming the Mavericks’ hopes. During an appearance on NBA on ESPN, insider Shams Charania weighed in on Davis’ potential return this season.
“It’s very possible that Anthony Davis has played his last game of the season for the Mavericks. I’m told that he is continuing his rehab from the adductor strain to determine if there’s a potential window for a late-season return,” Charania said.
Anthony Davis #3 of the Dallas Mavericks leaves the court with an injury during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at American Airlines Center. (Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
Two key reasons Davis may not return this season
Charania outlined two critical factors influencing whether Davis could take the court again this year. ““On one side, this is a soft tissue injury, so to make sure he’s at 100% and doesn’t risk further re-injury is very important,” Charania explained.
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“On the other side is where the Mavericks will be in the standings,” he continued. “If there is a window for him to return late in the season. If they are still in the play-in picture, then does it make sense to bring him back?”
“As an organization, they have to weigh the risk/reward of Anthony Davis playing in potentially meaningless or in play-in games late this season. Because what this trade set up is a three-year title window that starts with Anthony Davis being healthy,” Charania added.
A season plagued by injuries
The 2023-24 NBA season has been a nightmare for the Mavericks when it comes to injuries. Before the trade, Luka Doncic missed over a month with a calf injury, leaving a significant gap in the lineup. Post-trade, things didn’t improve. Key contributors like rookie Derek Lively II and Daniel Gafford also found themselves sidelined.
Meanwhile, Anthony Davis, brought in to anchor the team’s future, has played just one game due to injury. To make things worse, Irving’s recent injury will sideline him for the rest of the season.
With their stars out and their postseason hopes dimming, the Mavericks face a tough road ahead as they weigh whether to prioritize this season or focus on long-term goals.
