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4 Key Things Anthony Davis Brings to the Mavericks – But Is It a Risky Bet?


Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

What Anthony Davis Brings to the Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks made one of the most shocking moves in NBA history by trading away their franchise superstar, Luka Dončić, to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. While the move has sparked controversy and criticism, the Mavericks believe Davis is the key to their future success. But what exactly does AD bring to Dallas, and can he fill the void left by Dončić? Let’s break it down.


1. Elite Defense and Rim Protection

If there’s one thing Anthony Davis is known for, it’s his defensive dominance. He is one of the best rim protectors in the NBA, capable of anchoring a team’s defense and altering shots in the paint.

  • Career Blocks Per Game: 2.3
  • Career Defensive Rebounds Per Game: 7.9
  • 2023-24 Defensive Rating: Top 5 in the league

The Mavericks have struggled with interior defense for years, often relying on undersized big men. With Davis, they finally have a legitimate shot-blocker who can defend the rim and make things difficult for opponents.


2. Versatile Scoring Ability

While Davis isn’t the offensive force that Dončić was, he still brings a strong scoring presence. He can score in the post, from mid-range, and even stretch the floor with an occasional three-pointer.

  • 2023-24 Season Stats: 24.1 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 2.6 BPG
  • Career Field Goal Percentage: 51.8%

With Davis on the floor, Dallas will need to adjust its offensive schemes. While Dončić was a ball-dominant playmaker, Davis thrives in pick-and-roll situations, post-ups, and fast breaks. The Mavericks will need strong guard play to maximize his offensive skill set.


3. A New Identity: Defense Over Offense?

The Mavericks have long been an offense-first team, relying heavily on Dončić’s playmaking and scoring to win games. With Davis, Dallas is shifting towards a defense-first identity, something that Mavs GM Nico Harrison hinted at when he said, "Defense wins championships."

This could be a bold but effective strategy. The last few NBA champions—the Denver Nuggets, Milwaukee Bucks, and even the Lakers in 2020—were all elite defensive teams. If the Mavs can surround Davis with solid defenders and complementary scorers, this move could make more sense than people think.


4. Injury Concerns: The Biggest Risk

The biggest question mark with Anthony Davis is his health. He has a long history of injuries and has missed significant time over the years.

  • Games Played Last 5 Seasons: 62, 56, 40, 36, 26
  • Missed Over 160 Games Since 2019

If Davis can stay healthy, he’s an All-NBA talent who can elevate the Mavericks into serious contention. But if injuries continue to plague him, Dallas may have just traded away their franchise player for an unreliable star.


Final Verdict: A Gamble That Could Pay Off

Trading Luka Dončić was a massive risk, but the Mavericks are betting that Anthony Davis’ elite defense and inside presence will reshape the team into a contender. If he stays healthy and Dallas builds a well-balanced roster around him, this move could make the Mavs a dark horse in the Western Conference.

However, if Davis’ injury history catches up with him, this could go down as one of the worst trades in NBA history. Only time will tell if the Mavericks made the right move.

What do you think? Can Anthony Davis lead the Mavericks to success, or will this trade backfire? Let us know your thoughts!

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