Feb 8, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) brings the ball up court against the Houston Rockets during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

'He’ll be Out to Prove He’s Still in His Prime' – Dallas Mavericks’ Anthony Davis Receives MVP Endorsement From Analyst

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Aug 14, 2025 7:26 PM ET

The Dallas Mavericks have retooled their roster this summer, as they drafted Cooper Flagg , re-signed Kyrie Irving and Dante Exum, and added D’Angelo Russell via a two-year contract.

According to Shaun Powell of NBA.com, if the Dallas Mavericks are to make noise in the Western Conference, it’ll likely be on the back of an MVP-caliber campaign from Anthony Davis, whom he listed as one of the five American players who can win the coveted individual award this upcoming season.

“In case you forgot, Davis is arguably the best two-way player in basketball, and definitely among American players (his closest peer in that regard is Antetokounmpo). His ability to guard multiple positions, protect the rim, shoot with range, and impact games is matched only by a select few,” Powell wrote in his column.

Apr 18, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) and Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey (14) battle for position during the third quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

“That said, this is setting up to be a redemptive season for him, his first full season in Dallas. He’ll be out to prove he’s still in his prime, that he can carry a team, that he can keep the Mavs steeply competitive until Kyrie Irving returns, and that he can stay healthy. If he does all that, the MVP votes will follow,” he added.

Dallas Mavericks News: Anthony Davis is “motivated” to prove doubters wrong next season, claims analyst

Former NBA player Kendrick Perkins recently hyped up Anthony Davis, saying that the fans should stop sleeping on the Dallas Mavericks forward.

Feb 25, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) watches the game from the bench during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

“People are sleeping on Anthony Marshawn Davis Jr. It’s between Anthony Davis and Karl-Anthony Towns for the two players that have the most to prove this season,” Perkins said on the Road Trippin’ podcast.

“Anthony Davis is going to be on a mission. Dallas traded away their young international superstar for Anthony Davis, a two-way player, and the passion and what I been seeing out of Anthony Davis before the season ended,” he added.