Anthony Davis wants to return to the court for the Mavericks this season.
He has been ramping up workouts, nearing a return, and the latest step along that path came Monday when Davis was assigned to the Texas Legends of the G-League, where he could get in some 5-on-5 work in practice (something that was not going to happen with the big club).
The Mavericks have assigned Jaden Hardy and Anthony Davis to the Texas Legends of the NBA G League.
— Mavs PR (@MavsPR) March 17, 2025
Since Davis was traded to Dallas, he has played in just one game, during which he looked amazing (26 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists) until he strained his adductor (groin) and had to be helped off the court. He has missed 16 games since but appears eager to get back on the court and silence the “fire Nico” chants aimed at Mavericks GM Nico Harrison over the Luka Doncic trade that brought Davis to Los Angeles.
As a side note, P.J. Washington wants the “fire Nico” chants to end, as he told Mike Curtis of the Dallas Morning News: “All that ‘Fire Nico’ stuff, we’re sick and tired of hearing it. We just want to go out there and play and we need the fans to support us no matter who’s on the floor. That’s just how I feel about it.”
The question in Dallas’ front office is, should they bring Davis back this season? That front office is divided, according to multiple reports.
With Kyrie Irving out for the season with a torn ACL, and the Mavericks having lost 8-of-9 as they appear likely to slide out of the play-in (if Phoenix can get its act even partially together), what is the point of pushing Davis back into action? The same is true of Dereck Lively II (although he is farther away from a return). Is the risk of another injury worth the reward of maybe making the No. 10 seed (then having to win two play-in games on the road to make the playoffs, where No. 1 seed Oklahoma City will be waiting)?
What matters most is that Davis wants to be out there playing, and with this temporary assignment to the G-League, he seems to be nearing a return.
