Anthony Davis hopes to help usher in the next great era of Dallas Mavericks basketball, but while doing so, he will be prioritizing his health. The 2020 NBA champion and four-time All-NBA First-Team selection will be wearing protective eyewear, according to NBA correspondent Marc Stein. This change, as mandated by his doctors, will remain in effect for the remainder of his career.
Davis had previously stated that he is not a fan of goggles, but after undergoing surgery to repair a detached retina over the summer, the decision is no longer in his hands. While it may be an uncomfortable adjustment to make, Los Angeles Lakers icon Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is proof that one can still thrive while wearing protective eyewear. The look also became a distinguishing part of the all-time great center's legacy. Perhaps the same will be said for Davis.
The Mavericks are not concerned with his appearance, however. They just want the 32-year-old frontcourt force to stay healthy. Davis, who was traded from LA to Dallas in the mega-blockbuster that saw him and Luka Doncic swap teams, suffered an abductor strain in his Mavs debt on Feb. 8. He played only nine games with the squad last season, adding to his lengthy medical history, and the fan base's ire.
The three-time All-Defensive First-Teamer understands that the city is heartbroken over losing a young cornerstone like Doncic, who led the team to its third-ever NBA Finals in 2024. Anthony Davis is not looking to fill that void. He just wants to help the franchise contend for another title, but in order for that to happen, he must exercise caution when necessary.
This is one of those instances. Following this development, the soon-to-be bespectacled star big man will ideally be able to stay on the court during the 2025-26 campaign. But the protective eyewear will not do anything to prevent the other ailments he has endured throughout his career. For his sake, and that of Mavericks fans everywhere, hopefully Davis has good fortune on his side heading into the new season.
