Mavericks need the best version of Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis has the potential to pop off for the Dallas Mavericks this season.

Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis looks outward during the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers. | Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis is beginning to settle into his new team after a full offseason in the Lone Star State.

Now that he is comfortable in his surroundings, eight months after being traded by the Los Angeles Lakers, Davis can be one of the best players in the NBA with his new situation. CBS Sports placed him at No. 12 in their top 100 player rankings before the start of the season.

"Davis was involved in one of the most shocking trades in NBA history, which may have distracted from the fact that he had an incredible 2024-25 season," CBS Sports contributor Colin Ward-Henninger wrote.

"In 42 games with the Lakers, he put up 26 points, 12 rebounds, two blocks and a steal per game on 53% shooting. Only a handful of players in NBA history have put up those averages, and they're all Hall of Famers. Two questions surround the 2025-26 version of Davis: 1) How will he fit in on the Mavericks, who will likely pair him with another paint-clogging big man for the majority of his minutes? And 2) How often will he be on the court? Davis has only played more than 56 games twice in the last seven seasons, and his lack of consistent availability remains the only reasonable knock on his All-NBA level performance."

READ MORE: Mavs' Mark Cuban believes Knicks weren't punished enough for Jalen Brunson signing

Dallas Mavericks forward/center Anthony Davis warms up before the game against the Utah Jazz. | Peter Creveling-Imagn Images

Davis can bounce back with Mavs

Davis' first season with the Mavs was dominated by an injury he suffered in his debut with the team, but he was able to return in time for the Play-In Tournament.

Now that the team is playing without Kyrie Irving to begin the year, Davis will be asked to step up to the plate. This could lead to the type of play Davis showcased when he began his career in New Orleans in 2012.

Davis and the Mavs begin their season on Wednesday against the San Antonio Spurs. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. CT.

READ MORE: Three overreactions from Mavericks' final preseason game vs. Lakers

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