Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis has dealt with injury trouble since joining the team. He's only played in eight total games this season. As a result, it may be tempting to overlook his on-court performance. While on the floor, AD is playing at an especially high rate — even if it is a limited sample size.
The Mavs are a better team with Davis on the floor. His player impact estimate (PIE) is by far the best mark on the team, as Davis holds a 16.7 mark. Davis gets the job done on both ends of the court as well, holding a 110.3 offensive rating and a 113.8 defensive rating.
Overall, the star big man is averaging 20.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.8 blocks and 1.3 steals per game. He's been playing the center position in recent action as well with both Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford dealing with injuries. Although AD often prefers playing the four, it is easy to argue that Dallas finds more success with Davis at the five.
Davis playing center allows Ryan Nembhard and a shooting guard to lead the frontcourt. Max Christie has been drawing starts at the two, while Klay Thompson is making an impact off the bench. Cooper Flagg has been starting at the three, while PJ Washington often starts at the four with AD at the five. Washington is battling an injury of his own, though, so Naji Marshall has been getting the starts at power forward.
Anthony Davis' impact on the Mavericks
Davis draws opposing teams' best defenders, meaning Flagg receives better scoring opportunities. AD is also a capable passer from the high-post, leading to easy looks at the basket for cutters.
Davis looks much better here in December as opposed to early in the season, something head coach Jason Kidd was asked about following the Mavericks' 118-108 win over the Miami Heat on Wednesday night.
“He looks great,” Kidd said of Davis. “He's moving a lot better. I think he's comfortable… defensively, being able to block shots and rebound for us, and then being able to guard one-on-one where we don't have to go double-team is something that we enjoy. But his skillset offensively, again, being able to get the foul or being able to come up with a basket for us down the stretch was big.”
Everyone in the NBA understands that Anthony Davis is a terrific player. Since the Mavs acquired him as part of the shocking Luka Doncic trade last season, though, AD has unfairly received criticism. Sure, injuries have unfortunately always impacted him in the NBA, but it wasn't his fault he was traded for Doncic.
Mavs fans have every right to be frustrated about the Doncic trade. There's no question it was a head-scratching decision. With that being said, Davis is a great player who could lead Dallas to a deep postseason run. Health will obviously be of the utmost importance, but the ceiling is high for this Mavs squad.
At the moment, Dallas is just 8-15 overall. The chances of the Mavericks making a legitimate deep playoff run this year appear to be slim, but anything can happen if Davis stays healthy. Kyrie Irving's expected return from ACL surgery recovery in early 2026 will only help matters as well.
