The Dallas Mavericks indicated Sunday afternoon that Anthony Davis will continue to be inactive for approximately 7-10 days. Davis has been absent for the past eight contests due to a calf ailment, and despite showing “positive development” according to the Mavericks’ formal statement, his subsequent assessment suggested he should remain off the court for another week and a half.
This situation presents an element of surprise, particularly because there had been discussions regarding Davis’s potential participation in the Mavericks’ November 8 defeat against the Washington Wizards. Reportedly, Davis expressed a desire to play in that game, but the Mavericks opted to keep him out as he proceeded with rehabilitation for the calf issue he sustained during Dallas’s victory over the Indiana Pacers on October 29th.
The impetus for Davis, aged 32, to potentially return during the game versus the Wizards also originated from former Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison, who was relieved of his duties on November 11. Harrison allegedly “advised” Davis to make a comeback, according to The Athletic. However, the team’s medical professionals “prohibited” it, citing concerns that Davis could suffer an Achilles rupture. The day following Harrison’s dismissal, reports emerged that Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont sought medical documentation confirming that Davis faced no elevated risk of exacerbating his calf issue before receiving clearance to return to play.
With Harrison no longer holding a leadership position, it seems the Mavericks are inclined to adopt a more conservative approach concerning Davis, which represents the most sensible course of action. Considering Davis’s history with injuries, it is prudent to avoid haste, especially when dealing with a calf strain. The previous season’s playoffs demonstrated how a calf strain can escalate dramatically, as witnessed with Tyrese Haliburton’s progression to a torn Achilles, sidelining him for the current season.
Such a setback would constitute a significant setback for the Mavericks should Davis experience a similar injury, mainly because, with Harrison’s departure, the strategic direction may involve trading Davis and centering the team’s future around rookie Cooper Flagg. Should Davis’s injury worsen, it could severely diminish his trade value, potentially leaving the Mavericks in a more challenging position.
For Davis, despite any immediate desire to compete, prioritizing complete recovery before rejoining the lineup is the most judicious choice. It is preferable to miss a few games and return in optimal condition rather than prematurely returning and risking re-aggravation or worsening of the injury.
While this approach is rational, the situation remains less than ideal for all parties involved. Davis has participated in only 14 games for the Mavericks since being acquired in a trade with Dallas in February, a transaction that saw Luka Dončić move to the Los Angeles Lakers. Adding to Davis’s challenges of residing within an environment of discontented Mavericks supporters longing for Dončić’s return, his health issues have compounded the situation. Meanwhile, Dončić has guided the Lakers to a 10-4 record, averaging 34.4 points, nine assists, and nine rebounds.
It remains to be seen whether Davis will be able to return following the Mavericks’ newly established timeline. A failure to do so would suggest that the calf strain was substantially more severe than initially perceived by Dallas, Davis, and Harrison.
