Disregard the discussion about whether the Dallas Mavericks should reinstate Anthony Davis this season. The 32-year-old star, who joined the team in the surprising trade involving Luka Dončić, is preparing to return to play. According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, Davis is `likely` to rejoin the team`s lineup sometime in the next week, during the Mavericks` road trip. Davis injured his left adductor in his debut with the Mavs on February 8.
This past Monday, Dallas assigned Davis and guard Jaden Hardy to the Texas Legends, their G League affiliate. On Friday, Davis was again assigned to the Legends, along with other big men Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford. Sources indicate that Davis has participated in five-on-five practices twice during his assignment and is closer to returning than the other big men.
The Mavericks, who will be without Kyrie Irving for the remainder of the season due to a torn ACL in his left knee, are scheduled to play the Brooklyn Nets on Monday, the New York Knicks on Tuesday, the Orlando Magic on Thursday, and the Chicago Bulls on Saturday. They have lost nine of their last 11 games and are currently 11th in the Western Conference standings, tied in record with the 10th-place Phoenix Suns. While they could theoretically focus on improving their draft position instead of pursuing a play-in spot, Davis is reportedly not interested in this approach.
Sources reported earlier this week that Davis is `very eager` to play. ESPN`s Tim MacMahon mentioned that Davis is `steadfast in his determination to return this season, possibly as soon as next week, despite some within the Mavericks organization attempting to dissuade him.` These individuals reportedly believe `the risk/reward is not favorable` and would prefer to shut him down for the season, but Davis is not receptive to this idea.
Davis has played a total of 31 minutes for Dallas so far. Unless something changes in the coming days, this number is expected to increase before the season concludes. However, the ultimate impact of his return remains somewhat uncertain.
