Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis drives to the basket against Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama. Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Mavericks star can be one of NBA's best players

Originally posted on Dallas Mavericks on SI
By Jeremy Brener | Last updated Sep 25, 2025 9:41 AM ET

Dallas Mavericks star big man Anthony Davis is going into his first full season with the team after being the centerpiece of the midseason trade return for Luka Doncic.

Davis struggled to stay on the floor in his abbreviated run with the Mavs at the end of the 2024-25 campaign, but now he comes into the upcoming season as one of the best players in the league.

"The entire spectrum of the AD experience was on display during Davis' Mavs debut. He was brilliant on both ends of the floor for 2½ quarters and then went down in a heap in the middle of the paint, suffering an injury initially believed to be minor that ended up sidelining the 10-time All-Star for the next six weeks. When Davis is healthy, there are few players who have the blend of offensive production and defensive impact," ESPN insider Tim MacMahon wrote.

Davis can shine for Mavs

While the Mavs have No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, it will be Davis as the one expected to carry the load for the team throughout the season.

Davis is 32 years old, but he still has the ability to be one of the best players in the NBA. His fit with the Mavs is better than it was with the Lakers because he will be able to play at the power forward position rather than center.

With Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II manning the center rotation for the Mavs, Davis will have the chance to play power forward, which could unlock a part of his game that was seen more so when he was in his prime.

There's an argument to be made that Davis is still in his prime and a fresh start and season with the Mavs could be what he needs to stand out once again.

This article first appeared on Dallas Mavericks on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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