Anthony Davis took issue with ESPN’s report that his hand injury would require surgery. He was vindicated when a second doctor determined the Dallas Mavericks big man could be re-evaluated in six weeks.
Shams Charania corrected his earlier report that Davis was “likely to undergo surgery” which would keep him out for months. According to the second opinion from AD’s new doctor, he can avoid surgery and see how the hand looks in March — though that’s long past the trade deadline.
The Mavericks may shoot for the play-in with Anthony Davis available
Dallas is 15-25, a .375 win percentage that is still only 2.5 games out of the final play-in spot in the Western Conference. They’re in 12th, one game behind the surging Los Angeles Clippers, who have won 10 of their last 12 games. But the 10th-place Memphis Grizzlies may trade star Ja Morant, and the 9th-place Portland Trail Blazers are under .500.
The Mavericks might prefer to trade Davis and tank for a better lottery pick, since this summer is the only time they don’t owe their first-round pick to another team until 2031, either outright or in a swap. They’ve already lost Dante Exum and Dereck Lively II for the season and Kyrie Irving may not return from last season’s ACL tear.
But the success of rookie Cooper Flagg (19.1 points per game) may prevent the Mavericks from being bad enough to get a top pick, though they did move up to the No. 1 pick last year. If they can ‘t be all that bad, why not try to make the playoffs with a returning, well-rested Davis?
A team like the Atlanta Hawks could still trade for Anthony Davis
It’s very difficult to make a major trade in the NBA without a player passing a physical exam, one that would be difficult for Davis to do while out until March. However, any team trading for Davis and his extensive injury history likely has no illusions about the length of his medical records.
That’s why interested suitors like the Atlanta Hawks might still deal for an injured Davis, especially if he could theoretically be back for the playoffs. The Hawks dumped a lot of future salary by trading Trae Young to the Washington Wizards, but they likely improved in the short-term by adding CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, since Young remains injured.
They have incentive to make a move now while they have the expiring contract of Kristaps Porzingis, a big man who has suited up for three fewer games than Davis this season. Given KP’s unavailability, they could easily make a trade now, and get Davis on board for the next two seasons. If he’s available in six weeks for the Hawks’ own play-in or playoff push — they’re in 9th place, 2.5 games out of 6th — that’s just a bonus.
After all, even with ligament damage, Davis’ hand could still be one of the healthier parts of his body. A rested Davis returning in mid-March, having played only 20 games, could be a game-changing force.
Davis got a second opinion. Now the Anthony Davis suitors may change their opinion about trading for him, too.