Despite questions about whether the Dallas Mavericks should bring Anthony Davis back this season, the veteran player is preparing to return. According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, Davis is `likely` to rejoin the team`s lineup sometime during their upcoming road trip this week. Davis, who joined the Mavericks in a trade involving Luka Donćić, has been sidelined but is now nearing his return.
Davis is officially listed as doubtful for the Mavericks` game on Monday against the Brooklyn Nets. This is the first time his injury status has improved from `out` since he suffered a left adductor strain in his debut for Dallas on February 8.
Recently, Dallas assigned Davis and guard Jaden Hardy to their G League affiliate, the Texas Legends. Davis was assigned again on Friday, along with big men Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford. The Stein Line reports that Davis has participated in full five-on-five practices during his assignment and is closer to returning than the other players.
The Mavericks, who are already missing Kyrie Irving for the remainder of the season due to a torn ACL in his left knee, have a series of road games this week. They will play the Nets on Monday, the New York Knicks on Tuesday, the Orlando Magic on Thursday, and the Chicago Bulls on Saturday. The team has struggled recently, losing nine of their last 11 games and currently sits 11th in the Western Conference, tied in record with the 10th-place Phoenix Suns.
While some might suggest the Mavericks should focus on improving their draft position instead of pursuing a play-in spot, Davis is reportedly eager to play. Sources at The Stein Line described Davis as `very eager` to return to the court. ESPN`s Tim MacMahon mentioned on `NBA Today` that Davis is determined to play this season, possibly as soon as next week, even though some within the Mavericks organization have advised against it, believing the risk outweighs the reward. These individuals reportedly prefer to shut him down for the season, but Davis is not receptive to this idea.
Davis has played a total of 31 minutes for Dallas this season. Unless something changes in the coming days, he is expected to increase that playtime before the season concludes. The ultimate impact of his return remains uncertain.
Jasper Hawthorne