The Big Lead

Anthony Davis was reportedly asked not to return for Dallas this season

By Divij Kulkarni

Mar 16, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis smiles during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Mar 16, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis smiles during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Few superstars in NBA history have faced what Anthony Davis is going through since being traded for Luka Doncic. The Dallas Mavericks fanbase universally hated the trade outside of three glorious quarters during AD's debut game when he almost had them believing, only to get injured and miss every game since.

Davis was recently assigned to the Texas Legends of the G League, indicating that he is close to a return to play. However, the latest report from ESPN's Tim MacMahon suggests that if he does come back, it would be against the wishes of some people within the organization.

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"They sent him down there to practice, to get some 5-on-5 work in," MacMahon said. "This week, he's testing that and he is steadfast in his determination to return this season. Maybe as soon as next week.

"Despite the fact that there are people within the Mavericks organization who have tried to talk him out of it. Said the risk-reward's not there. There are people who'd rather shut him down for the season. AD's not trying to hear all that."

After their heartbreaking loss against the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday, the Dallas Mavericks have officially fallen out of the play-in spots in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, even if Anthony Davis returns soon, the likes od Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II will still miss significant time, as will Kyrie Irving and Dante Exum, who are already out for the season.

It's likely that even AD understands that the Mavericks will not be able to achieve much this season. But a return to the team and some huge performances might go a long way in getting the fans to accept him and get some semblance of support back before next season. The hope will be that he is able to return soon.

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