The Dallas Mavericks have dealt with one issue after another since the departure of their former franchise centerpiece, Luka Doncic. In return for that blockbuster move, Anthony Davis arrived via trade — but his tenure has been turbulent from the start. His inconsistent availability and limited impact have only intensified speculation that the franchise may look to move on in hopes of stabilizing their future in the NBA.
Davis was asked whether the noise surrounding trade rumors had affected him during his rehab. “Man, look. Y’all make it like we are going to war or something,” Davis said, via Mike Curtis. “This is basketball. It comes with it. Everybody in their careers has been involved in trade talks or being traded. That does not affect me.”
Davis made it clear that this was not unfamiliar territory for him. He has dealt with trade discussions for years, and he prefers to stay focused on what he can control rather than the headlines that surround him.
“I have been in trade talks for a while,” he continued. “My job is to do what I do when I am on the floor, play basketball, and try to lead this team. Whatever comes out of that, comes out of that. I do not really have any control over that. But I do have an open line of communication with the front office and am just ready to get back on the floor.”
Anthony Davis #3 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball.
A negative impact since Davis’ arrival
Since his arrival, the Mavericks did not even advanced past the Play-In Tournament last season. And this year, it has been a turbulent ride for Davis and the Mavericks. With a 5-14 start that places them 14th in the standings, pressure has mounted from every direction to stop the bleeding and turn the situation around.
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Unfortunately, Davis has been sidelined for most of the season due to bilateral Achilles tendinopathy, preventing him from finding any real rhythm on the court.
This February, Dallas will be forced to make difficult decisions — and this time, former general manager Nico Harrison will not be the one taking the blame. His firing came as a shock to Davis and added another layer of weight to an already complicated NBA season.
At this point, Davis’ best response is to keep his head down and let his game speak for itself. He is averaging 20.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, and 2.2 assists per game on 52.0 percent shooting and 27.3 percent from three. Still, he will need to elevate his performance even further if he hopes to keep pace with rising competition and quiet the growing noise around his future.