Anthony Davis thrives in new role in Mavs-Jazz preseason, but still raises concern

The Dallas Mavericks took home their second win of the preseason on Monday night, beating the Utah Jazz 114-101. It was the best game we've seen some Anthony Davis thus far in this reworked offense, as he had 25 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. However, there's one big caveat to that, which Mavs fans have been pleading for.

Davis' best minutes came when he was playing center. He's been insistent on mostly playing power forward this year. and that's all he had played up this third game. And as soon as he was moved to center in this game, the Mavericks immediately ripped off a 13-0 run, taking a stranglehold of the game.

Oct 6, 2025; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward/center Anthony Davis (3) sets the play against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (22) during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Oklahoma City Thunder at Dickie's Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

And while Davis finally looked comfortable, it also helped prove the general consensus correct that Davis is better suited to be a center in this era of the NBA, especially with the weight he added this offseason. He had a procedure this offseason to repair a detached retina, which left him unable to work on the court for a while.

Because of that, Davis entered training camp about 15 pounds heavier than last year with the Lakers. He said he usually enters camp a little heavier and then works his way down, but he just looks bigger than normal. Part of the reason they traded Luka Doncic for Davis was because they believed Doncic was overweight, but now Davis is operating heavier than normal.

Fans have been trying to say all along that Davis needs to be a primary center. He wants to play power forward because it's not as much punishment on his body so he can be available for the postseason, but the offense has been mostly dysfunctional while he's at poweer forward.

Anthony Davis leads the way for the @dallasmavs as they improve to 2-1 in the preseason!

🤠 25 PTS
🤠 6 REB
🤠 2 STL
🤠 2 BLK pic.twitter.com/imfiuiMm7I
— NBA (@NBA) October 14, 2025

The Mavericks Need to Trade Someone in the Frontcourt

It's a little easier to talk Anthony Davis into playing some minutes at center while Daniel Gafford is out with an ankle sprain. Dereck Lively II is back in the lineup, but he only played about 7 minutes, which was planned heading into the game. That left some minutes for Davis at center, as well as giving Dwight Powell and Moussa Cisse some run.

However, once Gafford returns, there won't be many minutes available at center for Davis. While the Mavericks want to try and make this work, trading someone away in this frontcourt is going to be necessary at some point.

Gafford seems to be the likeliest option, as the three-year, $54 million extension he signed this offseason was the most he could sign for while still being trade eligible. They could likely get a haul if they decided to move on from Anthony Davis, which may fit the needs of the roster better, but that would be bad optics to trade Luka Doncic for Davis to just turn around and trade Davis for something else.

And if they decide to trade Dereck Lively II, the fanbase would have reason to be upset yet again, as he has legitimate All-Star potential.

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