To say this season has not gone the Dallas Mavericks‘ season would be an understatement. After making it all the way to the NBA Finals last year, the Mavericks are currently 33-36 and own the No. 10 seed in the West. In February, they traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis, who suffered an adductor injury in his Mavericks debut. Furthermore, Kyrie Irving and Olivier-Maxence Prosper have already been ruled out for the rest of the season. Additionally, the Mavericks’ injury report is currently filled with players like Dereck Lively, PJ Washington, Daniel Gafford, and Dante Exum, among others.
As it stands, things are not going well for Dallas. However, they may have caught a break with the season approaching its end. According to NBA insider Tim MacMahon, Davis is “ramping up and nearing his return.” Furthermore, MacMahon said the one-time champion could make his return by the end of March (YouTube link).
“Now, my understanding is AD is ramping up and nearing his return. He’s going to play four-on-four, five-on-five this week, and he could be back as soon as the last week of March. And they’re going to need him. Here’s the thing—some people have asked, ‘Why take the risk?’ But he wants to play. He wants to be out there. Derek Lively II is also ramping up. I don’t think he’s quite as close, but it’s a similar conversation. He wants to play,” MacMahon said.
In his one game with Dallas this season, Davis recorded 26 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks.
NBA Insider Provides Shocking Dallas Mavericks Anthony Davis Injury Update
The Dallas Mavericks’ Outlook With Anthony Davis
Assuming Davis does make his return this season, this would be big for the Mavericks. The team is already depleted, and they have lost 10 of their last 12 games. However, even so, the Mavericks currently own a spot in the Play-In Tournament, though they are just 1.5 games ahead of the Phoenix Suns. Nothing is impossible in the NBA, but a deep playoff run is highly unlikely for Dallas. However, they can still make a late-season push and secure a postseason spot. In this case, having Davis back will be a huge help to the team.
By most accounts, the Mavericks trading Doncic was questionable. Some have even called it a mistake. However, it is important to remember that Davis is still a top player in the NBA. While he has his injury concerns, Davis is one of the best two-way players in the league and can help the Mavericks out on multiple fronts. If he returns this season, the Mavericks will be in a much better spot to end the season.
The Last Word
While contention seems unlikely this season, the Mavericks should have an opportunity to turn things around next year. While it is not 2016 anymore, a trio of Davis, Irving, and Klay Thompson is still intriguing. Additionally, they will be a team to keep an eye on around the league. For now, however, their season is likely coming to an end soon. This is true regardless of whether Davis returns or not.
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