Could trading for injury-prone center/forward Anthony Davis already be giving the Dallas Mavericks buyers’ remorse?
On a Wednesday episode of his podcast, ESPN NBA reporter Brian Windhorst said he thinks Davis (left abductor strain) will avoid surgery but could miss “a significant period of time.”
Longtime NBA insider Marc Stein added that no recovery timeline has been established, and the club “will be cautious” in planning a return date.
Davis — whom the Mavericks recently acquired from the Lakers in a blockbuster trade for star guard Luka Doncic — reaggravated the injury in a 116-105 win over the Houston Rockets on Feb. 8.
Before suffering the injury late in the third quarter, Davis was dominating. In 31 minutes, he grabbed 16 rebounds, had three blocks and scored 26 points on 10-of-18 shooting.
In some ways, the game against Houston is a microcosm for Davis’ career. When he’s healthy, the 31-year-old is one of the best players in the league. In his first 12 seasons with the Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans, he made nine All-Star Games and won a championship.
However, Davis has only played 75 regular-season games or more three times in his career.
Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison and owner Patrick Dumont were probably well aware of this when they dealt for Davis but gambled on him anyway. Now, the move may derail Dallas’ championship chances.
Entering Wednesday night, the Mavericks were 28-26 and had lost three of their last five games. ESPN’s Basketball Power Index gave them a 38.5% chance of making the playoffs.
Of course, Davis could return soon and form a dynamic duo with Dallas guard Kyrie Irving. But if he doesn’t, trading Doncic for the oft-injured big man would look even worse for the Mavericks.
