Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) dribbles during the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Mavericks receive huge Anthony Davis boost

By Adam Taylor | Last updated Sep 20, 2025 6:57 PM ET

Anthony Davis last suited up for the Dallas Mavericks on April 11. The All-Star missed the stretch run of the 2024-25 season due to an adductor strain. Things got worse for the big man in July, when it was revealed he would need surgery for a detached retina.

However, the Maviercks — who are without All-Star guard Kyrie Irving due to an ACL tear — have reportedly been boosted by Davis' return to the court.

According to NBA Insider Marc Stein, Davis is now back on the floor and working out with his teammates in five-on-five action.

“Mavericks All-Star big man Anthony Davis returned to the practice floor this week for some 5-on-5 play,” Stein reported on Sept. 20. “It’s believed to be Davis’ first game-speed action since it emerged in July that he needed eye surgery to mend a detached retina.”

Davis joined the Mavericks as part of the unpopular deal that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. Therefore, there's a significant amount of pressure on him to make an impact and keep the Mavericks on track toward contending for a championship. His latest injury issues have certainly derailed the early stages of his tenure with the Mavericks, but his early return from surgery should be encouraging for the fanbase.

Mavericks can also look forward to Cooper Flagg

While Irving's absence will surely be felt, the Mavericks do have the fortune of developing Cooper Flagg after landing him with the first overall pick this summer.

Flagg will undoubtedly be part of the Mavericks' starting lineup this season. Both Davis and Klay Thompson will be tasked with helping him develop, both on the court and as a professional behind the scenes.

Flagg will undoubtedly have some big moments in the coming season. However, he cannot be expected to spearhead a championship push so early in his career. Therefore, Davis and Thompson will still be shouldering a large burden. Unfortunately, without Irving, that burden may be for nothing, as Dallas may not have enough elite depth to compete at the top of the Western Conference.

Adam Taylor

Adam Taylor is a sports journalist based out of the UK. Adam has been covering the NBA for nearly a decade with a core focus on the Boston Celtics. He currently holds bylines with Yardbarker, SB Nation and USA Today

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