Anthony Davis Sidelined Following Surgery
In a significant blow to the Dallas Mavericks, star player Anthony Davis is expected to be sidelined for several months following surgery on his left hand to address ligament damage, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania. This unfortunate development comes at a precarious time for Davis, who had been a prominent figure in trade discussions prior to his injury, potentially impacting his market value within the league.
Davis’ Journey with the Mavericks
Davis’ tumultuous tenure in Dallas began with a major, jaw-dropping trade last season that saw him leave the Los Angeles Lakers—where he clinched an NBA championship in 2020—to join the Mavericks in a complex three-team deal that brought notable guard Luka Dončić to L.A. While Dončić emerged as a superstar in Los Angeles, Davis’s journey with the Mavericks has been marked by a series of setbacks.
Since his arrival in February of last year, Davis has participated in only 29 regular season games and a couple of play-in contests, largely due to injuries. After joining the Mavericks, he was recovering from an abdominal ailment. Although he impressively showcased his skills in a game against the Houston Rockets shortly after his return, he quickly faced another setback due to an adductor strain that caused him to miss six weeks.
Injury Timeline
In April, the injury turmoil continued when a collision with teammate Daniel Gafford resulted in a serious eye injury, necessitating offseason surgery to repair a detached retina. Now, with protective eyewear standard during games, Davis faced yet another challenge this season. After five games, on October 29, he suffered a left calf strain, sidelining him for 14 games while the Mavericks management, led by owner Patrick Dumont, closely monitored his recovery.
The landscape changed further when Mavericks GM Nico Harrison was dismissed during this uncertain period. After returning in late November, Davis was again forced to exit a game on Christmas Day due to groin spasms. Although he tried to battle through the adversity, the latest hand injury occurred during a defensive play against Lauri Markkanen last Thursday, leading to surgery that will keep him off the court for an extended period.
Financial Outlook
In terms of his financial future, Davis is in line to earn $58.5 million next season, with a player option worth $62.8 million for the 2027-28 campaign, indicating that despite the challenges, he remains a high-profile player within the league, even as injuries have marred his recent performances. This story is ongoing and more updates are expected.
