The Dallas Mavericks hoped to upend the Western Conference with a dominant force in addition to Kyrie Irving when they made their historic trade for Anthony Davis. Rather, a non-contact adductor strain ended Davis’ eagerly awaited debut, upending the Mavericks’ hopes of winning a championship.
According to early reports, Davis might not need surgery, giving fans who are anxious to see their star return to the court hope. NBA insider Marc Stein has since issued a warning, though, that surgery is still a possibility. The team is considering its options, and the choice could affect not only Davis’ season but also the team’s future.
Anthony Davis: Bio, Career, and Latest Injury Update
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Anthony Marshon Davis Jr. |
| Date of Birth | March 11, 1993 |
| Age | 31 years old (as of 2024) |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 feet 10 inches (2.08 meters) |
| Weight | 253 lbs (115 kg) |
| Current Team | Dallas Mavericks |
| Previous Teams | New Orleans Pelicans (2012–2019), Los Angeles Lakers (2019–2024) |
| Position | Power Forward / Center |
| All-Star Appearances | 10x NBA All-Star |
| Notable Achievements | NBA Champion (2020), NBA All-Star MVP (2017), 4x All-NBA First Team |
| Latest Injury | Adductor strain (2024) |
| Surgery Required? | TBD – currently under evaluation |
| Estimated Recovery Time | “Weeks and weeks” (per Brian Windhorst) |
| Social Media | @AntDavis23 |
For real-time injury updates, visit NBA.com
How Serious Is the Injury to Anthony Davis?
Davis was initially hopeful, but his adductor strain has caused significant worry. Fears of a long-term problem were raised when the injury reappeared during his Mavericks debut after he missed his last three games with the Lakers prior to the trade.
Though he hasn’t received a firm recommendation for surgery yet, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst says Davis will be out for “weeks and weeks.” However, according to Marc Stein’s most recent report, the Mavericks aren’t ruling out the possibility, so it’s unclear how long Davis will actually be out.
The timing of this injury couldn’t have been worse for the Mavericks, who traded for Luka Dončić. Although Davis was supposed to be the team’s pillar, this setback forces Dallas to rethink its season plan.
What Happens If Davis Requires Surgery? The Three Situations the Mavericks Face
Given that Davis’ recuperation schedule is uncertain, the Mavericks could experience one of three outcomes that would determine their season:
Davis returns in a few weeks without undergoing surgery.
The best possible outcome. If Davis’ rehabilitation goes well, he might return before the playoffs. But there’s always a chance of reinjury, which might last for several months.
After undergoing surgery, Davis will miss the rest of the season.
Dallas’ worst-case scenario. They would be forced to come up with a new plan for the postseason if they were to lose Davis for the season, which would virtually end their chances of winning the championship.
Dallas makes a trade to add depth to their frontcourt
The Mavericks will likely aggressively seek reinforcements prior to the trade deadline if Davis is sidelined for an extended period of time. They might be looking at defensive anchors or seasoned big men.
Although the stakes are high in each scenario, Dallas must hope for the best while preparing for the worst.
Is There a Concerning Trend in Anthony Davis’ Injury History?
Although there is no denying Davis’ talent, his injury history has raised serious concerns throughout his career.
- Missed more than sixty-two games over five seasons (2018–2023)
- played 40 games in 2021–22 and just 36 games in 2020–21.
- played 76 games in 2023–24 at last, suggesting that his durability had increased.
The question now resurfaces: Can Davis continue to be dependable as the cornerstone of the Mavericks’ franchise after suffering yet another injury?
What Will Happen to the Mavericks Next? Are They Still Able to Fight?
The Mavericks are still a major threat in the West if Davis recovers without any issues. He and Kyrie Irving might be a formidable team that can advance far in the playoffs.
But Dallas needs to change course fast if Davis misses a lot of time. Whether this trade saves or destroys the franchise will depend on how well they adjust to life without their star big man.
With the Mavericks’ future in jeopardy, all eyes are currently on Davis’ recuperation schedule.
