The Dallas Mavericks may have lost Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, but they gained a superstar in return-Anthony Davis. Selected No. 1 overall by the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2012 NBA draft, Davis is widely regarded as one of the greatest power forwards of all-time. He played a crucial role in the Lakers' 2020 championship run and was later named to the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team.
Following the blockbuster trade to the Mavericks, the 10-time All-Star wasted no time showcasing his elite skillset in Dallas, delivering a dominant first-half performance against the Houston Rockets with 24 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists.
However, his night was cut short due to a left adductor strain, which was later confirmed by ESPN's Shams Charania.
Since then, Davis has missed the last 13 games, and speculation about his season status grew when Charania dropped a major report that Davis and his team were considering shutting him down for the remainder of the season to ensure full recovery.
"It's very possible that Anthony Davis has played his last game this season for the Mavericks."@ShamsCharania provides the latest update on AD's injury. pic.twitter.com/aktLBlsbDn
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 8, 2025
However, NBA insider Marc Stein provided a more encouraging update on Davis' progression (h/t MFFL Nation on X).
"Davis played 2-on-2 this past weekend and will almost certainly reach the point before season's end that playing in an NBA game is feasible," Stein said.
REPORT: Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II are "indeed both progressing toward an in-season return. Whether those reactivations actually happen, of course, remain to be seen," from the @TheSteinLine.
Davis played 2-on-2 this past weekend and "will almost certainly reach the… pic.twitter.com/V7hKFAF9MA
— MFFL NATION (@NationMffl) March 10, 2025
While the Mavericks' season could be effectively over by the time Davis is cleared, Dallas fans may still get a preview of what a Davis-led team can accomplish ahead of next season.
Davis, when healthy, remains one of the best two-way players in the league. This season, he has averaged 25.7 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 3.4 assists while shooting 52.8% from the field. He was considered an MVP candidate early in the season, and if he stays healthy, he could be the key to Dallas' championship aspirations in 2025.
Related: Anthony Davis Reveals Offer From LeBron James Before Big Decision
Related: Luka Doncic Makes Two-Word Admission After Celtics Loss
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This story was originally published March 10, 2025 at 8:01 PM.