Anthony Davis has been sent to play for the Texas Legends in the NBA G League, as confirmed by the Dallas Mavericks on Monday.
Acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Luka Dončić, Davis has only played one game for the Mavericks before sustaining an adductor injury on Feb. 8. He is reportedly eager to make a comeback before the regular season ends, with the Mavericks currently holding the final play-in spot in the Western Conference with a record of 33-36.
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Concerns have been raised about Davis rushing his return and potentially worsening his injury, considering he has been sidelined for over a month and his importance to the team. According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, there were discussions about ending Davis’ season prematurely, but the 10-time NBA All-Star is determined to try and play before the next season.
Injuries have significantly impacted the Mavericks this season, with Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers seeing them field only the league-minimum eight active players — a recurring issue throughout the season.
Alongside Davis, Kyrie Irving (torn ACL) and Dereck Lively II (ankle stress fracture) are also sidelined for the Mavericks. Kessler Edwards and Brandon Williams, two two-way players, are nearing their 50-game limit with the NBA team before being sent back to the G League due to financial constraints preventing them from being signed to regular contracts.
If the roster sustains further injuries, there is a possibility that the Mavericks may end up having to forfeit games.