The blockbuster trade that brought Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in early 2025, sending franchise cornerstone Luka Doncic the other way, was met with immediate fan backlash. The move, seen by many as unfair to lose a star like Doncic, also shifted a glaring spotlight onto Davis's durability. That scrutiny has only intensified, as Davis has managed to suit up for just 14 regular-season games for the Mavericks since the deal, his time on court repeatedly cut short by a troubling string of physical setbacks.
A Timeline of Setbacks: From Abdomen to Hand
Davis's stint in Dallas began under an injury cloud. He arrived already nursing an abdominal injury. Eager to make his debut, he returned for a game on February 8, 2025, showing dominance in a first-half performance that helped secure a win. However, the comeback proved premature. He aggravated the issue, suffering a related muscle injury and an adductor strain during that same game, which sidelined him for the next six weeks.
The bad luck continued into the offseason. Davis underwent surgery for a detached retina, an injury he traced back to an accidental elbow from teammate Daniel Gafford during a game against the Atlanta Hawks on April 2, 2025. He returned to play wearing protective goggles.
The 2025-26 season offered no respite. Davis missed several games due to a left calf strain and lower-leg issues. The situation worsened during the marquee Christmas Day 2025 matchup against the Golden State Warriors, where he exited with a right groin spasm and missed subsequent games. Later, against the Indiana Pacers, discomfort in his left lower leg, potentially linked to pre-existing Achilles pain, forced another early exit.
The Latest Blow and Ongoing Management
The most recent incident occurred in a game against the Utah Jazz. In the final minutes, Davis was hit by center Lauri Markkanen, sustaining a left hand ligament injury. He played through visible pain briefly before heading to the locker room for good.
This relentless cycle of injuries has severely limited his impact. In the 2025-26 regular season, Davis averaged around 20.4 points but appeared in only 20 of a possible 38 games for Dallas. The team's medical approach is now under a microscope, with reports indicating Davis is consulting multiple doctors to chart a path forward for his recovery and long-term health management.
Fan Frustration and a Shadow Over Potential
The cascade of injuries has created a complex narrative. While his talent is undeniable, each new absence fuels the initial fan discontent over the Doncic trade and overshadows his contributions when he does play. The Mavericks organization faces the delicate challenge of maximizing the value of a high-profile acquisition whose availability remains frustratingly unpredictable. The primary question is no longer just about performance, but about whether Davis's body can withstand the rigors of an NBA season to justify the massive gamble Dallas took.
