Anthony Davis’ Impact Shines Despite Limited Availability for Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks have navigated a turbulent start to their season, hindered in part by the sporadic availability of star big man Anthony Davis. Since arriving in Dallas as part of the blockbuster Luka Dončić trade, Davis has faced heightened scrutiny, compounded by the frustration surrounding his limited time on the floor. Yet when he does suit up, his influence is both evident and essential.

Despite the small sample size, Davis has delivered at a remarkably high level. His efficiency, defensive presence, and two-way consistency have positioned him as one of the team’s most effective contributors. For a roster dealing with injuries across the frontcourt, his ability to anchor multiple positions has become increasingly valuable.

Dallas’ overall record paints a bleak picture, but Davis’ individual metrics suggest a different story. His presence stabilizes the team on both ends of the court, offering Dallas a foundation that has often been missing during his absences. The question moving forward is whether he can sustain his level of play while staying available for longer stretches.

As the Mavericks attempt to climb out of an early-season hole, Davis remains central to their hopes—both for short-term improvement and the pursuit of a deeper postseason run.

1. Davis’ On-Court Efficiency Stands Out

Although injuries have limited Davis to eight appearances, his impact when active has been undeniable. His player impact estimate (PIE) of 16.7 leads the team by a wide margin, underscoring how significantly the Mavericks benefit when he’s on the floor. His efficiency metrics are balanced as well, including a 110.3 offensive rating and a 113.8 defensive rating. Statistically, Davis has produced at an All-Star level. Through those eight games, he is averaging 20.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.8 blocks, and 1.3 steals per contest—numbers that reflect his versatility and the breadth of his contributions. Even while working his way back from injury, he has managed to offer Dallas a consistent interior presence. With Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford battling injuries of their own, Davis has taken on increased responsibility at center. While he has often preferred playing power forward throughout his career, his performances at the five have opened up new lineup possibilities for head coach Jason Kidd. Those adjustments have allowed Dallas to maximize spacing, ball movement, and defensive coverage, providing a clearer sense of what the team could look like at full strength.

2. Lineup Shifts Create New Opportunities

Davis’ shift to center has had ripple effects across the rotation. With him anchoring the paint, Dallas has utilized Ryan Nembhard at point guard alongside a rotating cast of wings. Max Christie has drawn starts at shooting guard, while veteran Klay Thompson has given the Mavericks floor spacing and scoring off the bench. Rookie Cooper Flagg has slid into the small forward role, and his offensive opportunities have expanded thanks to Davis’ gravity. Opposing defenses consistently send their best interior defenders toward AD, freeing up Flagg for cleaner looks and driving lanes. When healthy, PJ Washington typically starts at power forward, though Naji Marshall has recently filled the role amid Washington’s latest injury. Davis’ ability to pass from the high post has added another layer to the offense. His timing with cutters and his playmaking instincts provide easy baskets for teammates, particularly in lineups that rely heavily on off-ball movement. The overall structure remains fluid, but the Mavericks have gained clarity about which combinations generate the most success—especially when Davis is at the center of it all.

3. Davis’ Improved Play and the Road Ahead

In recent weeks, Davis has looked more comfortable and more explosive than he did early in the season. Following Dallas’ 118–108 win over the Miami Heat, head coach Jason Kidd praised Davis for his defensive mobility and late-game scoring. Kidd highlighted AD’s ability to guard one-on-one, block shots, and avoid the need for double-teams—qualities that allow the Mavericks to maintain cohesion defensively. Despite acknowledging Davis’ well-known injury history, Kidd emphasized how crucial he is to the team’s identity. His late-game execution, ability to draw fouls, and defensive discipline remain assets Dallas leans on heavily. For a roster still adapting to injuries and lineup changes, Davis’ resurgence has provided much-needed optimism. The broader criticism surrounding Davis has been unfair at times, particularly in the aftermath of the Dončić trade. While the move remains polarizing, Davis’ level of play isn’t the source of fans’ frustrations. The primary question is not about his talent but rather his availability—and whether the Mavericks can keep him healthy enough to build continuity. With the team sitting at 8–15, hopes for a deep postseason run this season may hinge on his health. The eventual return of Kyrie Irving, expected in early 2026 following ACL recovery, could significantly bolster the Mavericks’ outlook as well.