“Defense wins championships.” Nico Harrison and Jason Kidd sat awkwardly in an unexpected press conference on February 2, 2025. Harrison blurted out the statement that he hoped would justify the seismic
move of trading franchise superstar Luka Dončić. If I had told you this time last year, Anthony Davis would make it into a Mavericks uniform, you probably would say I’m crazy or ask how Nico pulled that off. And here we are. Welcome to Dallas, Anthony Davis. Known for his elite defensive presence and offensive versatility, “The Unibrow” found himself in the Lone Star State. Davis and Nico Harrison have ties, dating back to Nico’s tenure at Nike. It’s always been believed within the Mavericks camp that Davis was a pipe dream for Nico Harrison. But given the flurry of moves he had already made as Mavs GM, it became clear that anything was possible. Davis is a ten-time All-Star, five-time All-Defensive Team member, member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, NCAA Champion with the 2012 Kentucky Wildcats and NBA champion with the 2020 Los Angeles Lakers. His resume is far from concern. But coming into this season, as he begins his first full season with Dallas, there are some major questions.
Big Question
Unfortunately, Mavs Fans never got a good, true look at Anthony Davis. After a dominant first half against the Rockets in his Dallas debut on February 8th, he suffered a left adductor strain, that would sideline him for five weeks. Shortly after returning, he suffered a blow to the face in an April 2 matchup against the Hawks, that was later found to be a detached retina. He was never the same. AD got surgery and was treated in the off-season for his injuries.
In a small sample size of nine games, Davis averaged 20.0 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game for the Mavs on 46% shooting and 23% from three. His career averages are 24.1 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game on 52% shooting and 30% from three.
While the numbers weren’t that far off from his career averages, it was clear that AD wasn’t himself last season. The Mavs think he’s a top 10 player in the league and when he’s healthy, it’s hard to argue that. If he’s healthy (which is a BIG if), he should hover around his career averages this upcoming season but hopefully be more efficient in the process. His defense never left so he’ll be the anchor for Dallas on that end of the floor.
Outside of his health, another big question with Anthony Davis will be how the Mavs integrate him at the power forward with Lively II and Gafford. Dallas is going to run some big lineups, some with P.J., Flagg, AD, and another big. Spacing could be an issue and there will undoubtedly be some trial and error.
One thing AD does well is pick-and-pop. When he’s at his best, he hovers in the 42 to 43% mark in mid-range jumpers. He’ll also shoot his far share of threes. He averaged 2.4 attempts per game last season and somewhere in the 3-4 attempts per game this season feels like a safe guess.
With not many creators on the roster, Dallas’s offense should have more movement. Klay running the corners, wings slashing, lobs to bigs, Dallas needs movement to have their offense be league average, which is what they’ll need to stay afloat until Kyrie returns. This won’t be the same offense you’re used to in past seasons with Dončić controlling almost everything. They’ll need to rely on more movement and even contributions, but AD will be the centerpiece. According to reports, new Mavericks Assistant Coach Jay Triano even has a vision of using AD in a role like Domantas Sabonis has on the Kings. It’s unclear exactly how that would work, but the Mavs could certainly use Davis as a screener in run-curl actions and getting him to run downhill for lobs or easy putbacks.
The offense will look different. For a franchise that hasn’t exactly been known for its big men, Dallas will have plenty in the 2025-2026 season. But it’ll take time to integrate the new pieces and figure out how to use Davis in a large lineup and with a new potential superstar, in Cooper Flagg.
Season Goal (And Best-Case Scenario)
A perfect world has Anthony Davis playing a full season (somewhere in the 65-75 game range) and returning to his dominant form: a defensive powerhouse that’s giving you 24 points and 10 rebounds most nights. Davis will also have to play the role of Batman more often than not, especially with Kyrie out. He receded to the role of Robin when he was traded from New Orleans to L.A. The Mavs will need more of him taking the rock, leading on both ends of the floor, and proving he is indeed still a top 10 player in the league.
Conclusion
Even without Kyrie Irving for the foreseeable future, Dallas will be must-see TV with what is hopefully a fully healthy Anthony Davis and new phenom Cooper Flagg. Health is always a concern when it comes to AD, but when he’s right, he’s right. And with more reps in a Mavs uniform, his offense will begin to flow better. Don’t forget Kyrie’s first spring in Dallas – far from pretty. There are major questions that need answers, but only the games can answer those.
