Mavericks ahead Anthony Davis’ return Monday from an 18-game absence provides Dallas one final probability to salvage one thing from a nightmare 2024-25 season.
However at this level, it’s honest to marvel if it’s even value it.
ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported that Davis will return to the Mavericks beginning lineup towards the Nets on Monday after he suffered an adductor pressure in his Mavs debut on Feb. 8.
The ten-time All-Star had a superb first recreation earlier than happening within the third quarter. In 31 minutes, Davis stuffed the field rating with 26 factors, 16 rebounds, seven assists and three blocks.
Dallas acquired Davis within the controversial commerce that despatched beloved Mavericks guard Luka Doncic to the Lakers and spurred protests by passionate followers of the franchise.
Since his harm, the Mavericks’ season has gone from unhealthy to worse. On March 3, level guard Kyrie Irving tore his ACL, ending his season.
The Mavericks (34-37, eleventh in Western Convention) are 2-7 of their 9 video games since shedding Irving and have fallen right into a tie with the Suns (34-37, tenth in Western Convention) for the West’s closing play-in spot.
Whereas followers would possibly need this season to finish as quickly as potential, Davis‘ return might give the Mavericks a puncher’s probability of getting the West’s No. 8 seed with two play-in event wins.
That is likely to be the worst means for the season to move for Dallas, which owns its 2025 NBA Draft first-round decide. Ending the season within the lottery, the place it will have a slim probability of incomes the No. 1 decide, could be preferable to a ham-fisted first-round postseason exit.
On most events, getting a participant of Davis’ caliber again from harm could be a blessing. Nonetheless, for franchises as dysfunctional because the Mavs, it is a curse.
