Anthony Davis has been assigned to the Texas Legends, the Dallas Mavericks’ G League affiliate, however regardless of preliminary hypothesis, he is not going to be taking part in within the NBA’s developmental league. As an alternative, this transfer is a regular a part of his rehabilitation as he recovers from a left adductor pressure.
Davis, who joined the Mavericks in a blockbuster commerce that despatched Luka Doncic to the Lakers, has been sidelined since Feb. 8. In his Mavericks debut, he delivered a dominant efficiency with 26 factors, 16 rebounds, seven assists and three blocks in 31 minutes earlier than exiting with the damage. Now, with Dallas battling for a postseason spot, it could look to reintegrate its star large man earlier than the season concludes.
Assigning injured NBA gamers to a G League affiliate for rehab is a standard apply. It permits them to take part in full-contact scrimmages in a managed atmosphere, serving to them regain recreation conditioning with out the depth of an NBA matchup. The Golden State Warriors have notably used this strategy with stars like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson lately, whereas different groups have completed the identical for gamers coming off prolonged absences.
For the Mavericks, this transfer ensures Davis can ramp up his health whereas the staff navigates a road-heavy schedule. Relatively than ready for sporadic apply alternatives, he can participate in structured, high-intensity exercises with the Legends. In response to the G League transaction portal, Davis was assigned for apply on March 17 and recalled the identical day after finishing the session. This technique minimizes disruption to the Mavericks rotation whereas maximizing his restoration timeline.
By means of 43 video games this season — primarily with the Lakers — Davis has averaged 25.7 factors, 12.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.3 steals and a pair of.2 blocks per recreation whereas taking pictures 52.8 p.c from the sphere. He earned his tenth All-Star choice this yr and stays one of many league’s most impactful two-way gamers when wholesome.
Nonetheless, his return comes at a vital juncture. The Mavericks, presently tenth within the Western Convention at 33-36, occupy the ultimate play-in spot. The Phoenix Suns are only one recreation again and Dallas has misplaced three straight, additional complicating its postseason push.
With Kyrie Irving dominated out for the season and different accidents depleting the roster, Davis’ comeback may decide whether or not the Mavericks can maintain onto their play-in place — or threat lacking the playoffs altogether.
