Anthony Davis is set to play a crucial role for the Dallas Mavericks this season, especially as Kyrie Irving recovers from ACL surgery. Former New Orleans Pelicans center Kendrick Perkins recently emphasized that many are overlooking just how valuable Davis remains for the team’s success. With Irving sidelined during the first half of the campaign, Davis will be Dallas’s primary option, carrying the responsibility to keep the team competitive.
Perkins praised the Mavericks’ frontcourt depth, noting key players such as Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively, PJ Washington, and rookie Cooper Flagg, though he highlighted Davis as the cornerstone. He also mentioned the contribution of Naji Marshall from last season and the addition of D’Angelo Russell to support the team until Irving returns. According to Perkins, Dallas, under head coach Jason Kidd’s leadership, has the potential to be a formidable defensive squad.
“They arguably have the best front line in basketball in Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively, and Anthony Davis, and you throw in a sprinkle of PJ Washington and Cooper Flagg… [Naji] Marshall was pretty damn good for them last year, he’s back, and in the pickup of D’Angelo Russell to hold it down until Kyrie Irving returns.” —Kendrick Perkins, Former NBA Player
“With the leadership and head coaching of Jason Kidd. They’re going to be a force defensively. And I think we forget, at times, how special and how dominant Anthony Davis could look when he’s healthy and available.” —Kendrick Perkins, Former NBA Player
Health Concerns Threaten Davis’s Ability to Lead Mavericks
While Davis is expected to be the focal point of Dallas’s offense, his injury history raises concerns. In the past seven seasons, Davis has only managed to play the 65 games required for postseason honors once. He entered this season recovering from an adductor strain sustained in his debut for the Mavericks and underwent surgery for a detached retina earlier in the offseason. These health obstacles have created uncertainty around his durability.
The team’s decision to trade Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers added tension among the Mavericks’ fanbase. Many supporters were distressed by giving up a longtime franchise star for an aging player with frequent injuries. Without the emergence of rookies such as Cooper Flagg, Dallas may have faced a lengthy rebuilding period. Still, when Davis is on the court, his impact is undeniable, highlighted by a 40-point performance during the Play-In Tournament against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Despite Davis’s scoring ability, the Mavericks roster lacks strong playmakers and consistent three-point shooters, which could affect their overall offensive efficiency.
Outlook for the Mavericks and Davis’s Role This Season
As the Dallas Mavericks navigate a transitional phase without Kyrie Irving for several months, Anthony Davis’s role will be paramount. The team’s defensive potential under Jason Kidd’s coaching combined with Davis’s talent offers hope for competitiveness. However, Davis’s injury record will remain a critical factor throughout the season.
If Davis stays healthy and the supporting cast around him, including young talents and role players, can develop consistent production, the Mavericks may contend with strong defensive performances and occasional offensive bursts. How well Dallas adapts during Irving’s absence will significantly shape their season’s trajectory.
The focus on Anthony Davis Dallas Mavericks season underscores the fragile balance between experience and health, which will define how far this team can advance in the competitive Western Conference.