The biggest concern the Dallas Mavericks had in trading for Anthony Davis has already shown its ugly face just one game into his tenure with the franchise.
The Mavericks stunned the NBA world when they made the most unexpected trade in league history. Despite being one of the best players on the planet in the eyes of many pundits, Dallas traded top star Luka Docic to the Lakers. The move had not been rumored, and recent speculation suggested the two sides were expected to agree to an extension in the summer.
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In the shocking blockbuster deal, the Mavs received nine-time All-Star Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2019 first-round pick. It was a stunning return when lesser players have garnered twice as much in trades. However, Dallas’ general manager Nico Harrison was so sure Anthony Davis was the player they needed that he only negotiated with the Lakers when he decided he wanted to trade Doncic.
On paper, Dallas has a very strong team that could be a problem for opponents in the NBA Playoffs. However, there is one major issue. Throughout his 13-year career, Davis has always dealt with injuries. He has played in 70 or more games just three times in his career. The 31-year-old played his first game for the Mavericks over the weekend. And it sadly could be his last for a very long time.
- Anthony Davis stats (2024-25): 25.7 PPG, 12.0 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.3 SPG, 2.2 BPG
New Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis sidelined indefinitely?
“It is feared that the Mavericks’ newly acquired Anthony Davis will be sidelined for an indefinite period … with the severity of his adductor injury sustained Saturday still being determined,” veteran NBA insider Marc Stein reported on Sunday night.
Davis had a monster debut for the Dallas Mavericks in his win over the Houston Rockets on Saturday. Posting 26 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists and three blocks. However, late in the third quarter, he left the game with what was called a lower-body injury. This report is as unexpected as his trade to Big D last week.
- Anthony Davis contract: Three years, $175.3 million
A minor abductor injury can take a couple of weeks to bounce back from. However, more severe injuries could take months to heal up. It brings into question if Anthony Davis will be back before the regular season comes to a close in mid-April.
Related: Where does Luka Doncic rank among the 50 best NBA players right now?