The Dallas Mavericks enter the 2025–26 NBA season with renewed optimism thanks to the arrival of 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis. Acquired in a high-profile trade that sent Luka Dončić to Los Angeles, Davis instantly transforms the Mavericks’ roster, providing a dominant presence on both ends of the floor.
Health will be the key factor for Davis this season. The 2024–25 campaign was riddled with injuries, including a significant left adductor strain that limited his availability. However, in the nine games he played for Dallas, the Mavericks posted a 6–3 record, highlighting his immediate impact. When fully healthy, Davis has repeatedly shown he can dominate games, culminating last season with a triple-double performance that included 23 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists, and seven blocks. Entering 2025–26, the expectation is that Davis will be fully fit and ready to anchor Dallas’s playoff push.
Statistically, Davis is projected to continue his elite production. Analysts forecast averages of 24.5–26 points, 11–12 rebounds, 3–3.5 assists, and 2–2.5 blocks per game, shooting around 51% from the field. Beyond the numbers, his defensive presence remains unmatched; Davis is a premier rim protector whose shot-blocking and intimidation in the paint allow the Mavericks to implement a more aggressive defensive scheme.
Pairing Davis with the Mavericks’ young star Cooper Flagg adds a dynamic new dimension to the team. If both stay healthy and play to their potential, Dallas is poised for a deep playoff run in the Western Conference. While trade rumors occasionally swirl, any move involving Davis would depend on his performance and Dallas’ standing as the season unfolds. For now, the focus is squarely on leveraging his talent to return the Mavericks to contention.
Anthony Davis’ tenure in Dallas has the potential to redefine the franchise’s trajectory. When healthy and locked in, he is a transformational force capable of elevating the Mavericks to the next level. This season, all eyes will be on Davis to see if he can deliver on the promise of championship contention and cement his legacy in Dallas.
If Anthony Davis stays healthy and performs at his peak, the Mavericks could be looking at a season where both glory and expectation collide—making him the player to watch in 2025–26.
