The Dallas Mavericks have gone from a franchise in turmoil to a team with genuine championship aspirations. But while Cooper Flagg’s arrival has generated most of the attention, Kendrick Perkins is urging fans not to overlook a veteran anchor already in place—Anthony Davis.
Perkins, speaking on NBA Today, pointed out that Davis remains one of the NBA’s most dominant forces when healthy and believes fans have forgotten how impactful he can be in the right environment.
Dallas Mavericks Rebuild Around Anthony Davis
The Mavericks’ path to this point has been anything but smooth. Trading Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers for Davis was seen as a desperate gamble, a move criticized as mortgaging the future for a short-term fix. Those concerns deepened after Kyrie Irving’s ACL injury in March left Dallas without its star backcourt leader.
However, the franchise caught a break when it won the NBA Draft Lottery, securing the No. 1 pick and selecting Flagg—a potential franchise cornerstone. Suddenly, the long-term vision began to take shape, though questions about the team’s immediate competitiveness lingered.
Perkins, though, sees a blueprint for success already in motion.
“They arguably have the best front line in basketball in Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively, and Anthony Davis, and you throw in a sprinkle of PJ Washington and Cooper Flagg,” Perkins said.
Defensive Identity Centers Around Anthony Davis
Perkins also highlighted Dallas’ commitment to building a defensive identity that starts with Davis at the core. With the collection of talent and the team’s coaching staff, Perkins envisions significant potential for this group on the defensive end.
“With the leadership and head coaching of Jason Kidd, they’re going to be a force defensively,” Perkins said. “And I think we forget, at times, how special and how dominant Anthony Davis could look when he’s healthy and available.”
Dallas added D’Angelo Russell to help manage the point guard duties in Irving’s absence, giving the point guards a stabilizing presence while the frontcourt carries the scoring and defensive load.
Naji Marshall, who made an impact off the bench last season, also returns to add depth on the wing. Perkins sees this roster as one that can surprise people if they stay healthy and connected.
Dallas Mavericks’ Playoff Outlook
Davis and Flagg will need to lead the charge for the Mavericks to keep the team afloat until Irving’s return. The pieces are in place for Dallas to become a dark horse in the Western Conference, but execution will be key.
Title hopes aren’t built on potential alone. As Perkins sees it, Davis’ ability to stay on the floor and anchor both ends of the court could redefine the Mavericks’ season.
The Mavericks may not have been viewed as contenders immediately after the Doncic trade, but with a retooled lineup and a defensive focus, they’ve found new life. For Perkins, the driving force behind that optimism is Anthony Davis.
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