Mavericks’ Anthony Davis sends an urgent reminder to the NBA without words

Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis has been dealing with an injury problem since joining the team. He played only eight games this season. As a result, it can be tempting to overlook his performance on the field. While on the floor, AD plays at an especially high speed — even if the sample size is limited.

The The Mavs are a better team with Davis on the floor. His Player Impact Evaluation (PIE) is by far the best on the team, as Davis has a 16.7 rating. Davis also gets the job done on both ends of the floor, posting a 110.3 offensive rating and 113.8 defensive rating.

Overall, the star big man is averaging 20.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.8 blocks and 1.3 steals per game. He has played center in recent action while both Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford have battled injuries. Although AD often prefers to play the four, it’s easy to argue that Dallas has more success with Davis in the five.

Davis’ playmaking center allows Ryan Nembhardt and the running back to lead the frontcourt. Max Christie has been drawing the start at two, while Klay Thompson is making an impact off the bench. Cooper Flagg started with the three, while PJ Washington often starts with the four with AD at the five. Washington, however, is struggling with his injury, so Najib Marshall is starting to step up.

Anthony Davis’ impact on the Mavericks

Davis draws the opposing team’s best defenders, which means Flagg gets better scoring opportunities. AD is also a capable passer from the high post, which leads to easy looks at the basket for cutters.

Davis looks much better here in December than he did early in the season, something head coach Jason Kidd was asked about after the Mavericks’ 118-108 win over the Miami Heat on Wednesday night.

“He looks great,” Kidd said of Davis. “He’s moving a lot better. I think he’s comfortable … defensively, being able to block shots and rebound for us and then being able to guard one-on-one where we don’t have to double-team is something we enjoy. But his skill set offensively, again, being able to draw a foul or score was big for us.”

Everyone in the NBA understands that Anthony Davis is a great player. However, since being acquired by the Mavs as part of the shocking Luka Doncic trade last season, AD has been unfairly criticized. Of course, injuries have always plagued him in the NBA, unfortunately, but it’s not his fault that he was traded for Doncic.

Mavs fans have every right to be frustrated with the Doncic trade. There is no doubt that it was a hesitant decision. That said, Davis is a great player who could lead Dallas to a deep postseason run. Health will obviously be paramount, but the ceiling is high for this Mavs team.

Currently, Dallas is just 8-15. The chances of the Mavericks making a legitimate deep playoff pick this year seem slim, but anything can happen if Davis stays healthy. Kyrie Irving’s expected return from ACL surgery in early 2026 will only help matters.