Mavericks need Anthony Davis back as soon as possible

Anthony Davis' return would help the Dallas Mavericks tremendously.

Feb 8, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Dallas Mavericks center Anthony Davis looked incredible in his first appearance with the team.

Unfortunately, that's the last time he'll suit up for the Mavs for a bit as he nurses a groin injury.

Bleacher Report writer Dan Favale believes he can be one of the best players in the NBA once he returns for the Mavs.

READ MORE:

Feb 8, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Davis can still be among the greats

"Injuries and inflated reputation as a shooter in mind, Anthony Davis is among the most dominant big men of all time," Favale writes.

"His knack for play-finishing is often interpreted as a limitation when comparing him to others. But he has more driving, face-up and playmaking depth to his armory than credited. Tough finishes and high-volume trips to the foul line must not go overlooked, either.

"Then, of course, there is the defense. Anecdotally speaking, it feels like we do not appreciate the lifts he shoulders on that end nearly enough. The amount of ground and number of bodies and mistakes he can cover up for on a single possession is rivaled by scant few.

"If he winds up retiring without earning a Defensive Player of the Year nod, it'll seem off-putting, even if there isn't a year to which you can point and guarantee that he was robbed. At least he's receiving a runaway nod here. Bradley Beal and Norman Powell are the closest age-31 "challengers."

Davis will be on the sidelines when the Mavs take on his former New Orleans Pelicans team tonight at 7:30 p.m. CT.

READ MORE: Luka Doncic speaks out on how he spent his first All-Star break as a Laker

Stick with MavericksGameday for more FREE coverage of the Dallas Mavericks throughout the 2024-25 Season

Follow MavericksGameday on Twitter and Austin Veazey on Twitter

More Dallas Mavericks News

• Report: Mavericks showed interest in three-time All-Star

• Former Mavericks executive goes off on Patrick Dumont over Luka Doncic remarks

• Lakers waive former Dallas Maverick to sign former Top 5 pick

• Luka Doncic’s father says that his son has already moved on from Mavericks-Lakers trade