Is it legitimate for Dallas Mavericks to ponder on Anthony Davis' future following his slump after being traded?
Geez, the Dallas Mavericks sent shockwaves through the NBA when they traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in February! In return, the Mavs got Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and one first-round pick. We'll forget about that unfortunate injury Davis suffered in his debut, and move on to the nine games he played afterward.
While dealing with a minutes restriction due to his injury, Davis' stats (points and rebounds) took a dip – nothing unexpected given the circumstances. Notably, though, his defense remained steady, proving that Nico Harrison's "defense wins championships" comments still ring true.
One point of worry lies in Davis' shooting efficiency. His field goal percentage decreased from 52.8% with the Lakers to 46.1% with the Mavs, and his three-point percentage sank from 29.8% to 23.3%. It seemed as though he was struggling to find his groove in the new offense, but at times, he shone bright nonetheless, even in the NBA Play-In Tournament.
With a whole offseason ahead, Davis should be able to fully grasp the Mavericks' offensive strategies. With any luck, he'll shake off the rust, improve his health, and ensure a better performance next season.
Don't fret, Mavericks fans, there's no need to worry! Sure, Davis has a history of injuries, but as long as he stays healthy, his overall numbers should start climbing again. In fact, he might actually outperform with the Mavericks in 2025-26 since he'll be the undisputed go-to guy on the team, even with the potential return of Kyrie Irving in January.
So, is there reason for concern about Davis' performance on the court? Not a bit! Just as long as he can shake off any lingering injuries and adapt to his new team effectively.
- Despite the surprising trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, Anthony Davis' defense remains efficient in the Dallas Mavericks' NBA games, supporting Nico Harrison's belief that "defense wins championships."
- Concerns over Anthony Davis' shooting efficiency, with a decrease in field goal and three-point percentages, have arisen in his early games with the Mavericks, potentially due to adjusting to the new offense.
- With a whole offseason ahead for Davis to learn the Mavericks' offensive strategies and improve his health, there's hope that he'll enhance his overall performance in the subsequent season, potentially outperforming even with the return of Kyrie Irving.
- Though Anthony Davis has a history of injuries, the Mavs fans can remain optimistic, as long as he remains healthy and effectively adapts to his new team, with the possible result of outperforming in the 2025-26 season.
