The Mavericks are still without Anthony Davis, and now we know why. According to a new report from ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, Davis has been held out due to a request from team governor Patrick Dumont, who is requiring full medical clearance before he gives the green light for a return.
“Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont has requested medical data indicating that Anthony Davis is not at risk of aggravating his left calf strain before giving a green light for the 10-time All-Star big man to return,” MacMahon reported. “Davis is listed as questionable for Wednesday’s home game against the Phoenix Suns. It is the third consecutive game he has had that designation on the injury report, but he will miss his seventh consecutive game.”
Originally, Davis wanted to return last Saturday against the Washington Wizards, but that comeback was delayed after a disagreement between the team’s medical director and Davis’ personal medical staff.
“He originally targeted his return for Saturday’s road game against the Washington Wizards, but there was a disagreement between Mavs director of health and performance Johann Bilsborough and Davis’ personal medical staff on whether that was prudent,” MacMahon wrote. “Davis was held out after Dumont sided with Bilsborough, preferring to err on the side of caution.”
McMahon also confirmed what many had already suspected: Dumont has taken a more active role in basketball decisions after losing trust in recently fired GM Nico Harrison.
“Dumont’s involvement in the decision was a strong indication of his eroded trust in general manager Nico Harrison, who was fired Tuesday morning. Harrison had been in favor of Davis returning,” MacMahon added.
With Nico Harrison out of the picture now, it falls on Dumont to decide what to do with Davis. While trade rumors have surfaced left and right, he’s opted to stay focused on AD’s recovery for as long as he’s in Dallas, but the process has not been easy.
Dating back to last season’s trade, Davis has played just 14 games for the Mavericks with various injuries. This season, he’s missed all but five games with averages of 20.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks on 52.0% shooting.
To make matters worse now for the Mavericks, there’s the internal split on Davis’ current condition. While some are pushing for the star to return, others want the organization to take a cautious approach and give Davis an extended recovery window. Knowing what’s at stake for his team, the Mavericks owner has chosen the path of caution, even if it means giving up some wins this season.
What this means for Davis remains to be seen, but it’s yet another blow to a fanbase that has already endured so much. Without Luka Doncic or Anthony Davis, they’ll have to ride with Cooper Flagg for the time being and hope that he brings enough on the court to spark a revival for the franchise.
If that revival never comes, Dallas will be forced to make a decision. They already sacrificed their franchise star once, and they cannot afford to get burned again. Whether Davis plays again or not, this stretch could define the direction of the Mavericks for years to come.
