Anthony Davis is preparing for his first full season with the Dallas Mavericks after being acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers in the blockbuster Luka Dončić trade.
In his brief stint with Dallas last year, Davis appeared in nine games before suffering an adductor strain and a detached retina. In that stretch, he averaged 20 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.2 blocks per game, showing glimpses of the dominant two-way presence the Mavericks hoped for.
With Kyrie Irving sidelined as he recovers from a torn ACL, Davis will open the 2025-26 season as the focal point of Dallas’ offense and defense. But he made it clear this week that the team has work to do, particularly on the glass. “I didn’t know this until they told us yesterday, first day of camp, that we were 30th in rebounding (since the trade),” Davis told reporters. “So there’s been a lot of focus on not watching the ball as it goes to the rim, but turning and finding a body and boxing out, and then going to locate the ball.”
Davis added that Dallas has the tools to fix the issue. “We’re a very athletic team. We’ve got a bunch of tall guys. If we’re able to play defense with intensity, no one should be able to score in our paint.”
The Mavericks boast depth in the frontcourt, led by Davis, No. 1 overall draft pick Cooper Flagg, Daniel Gafford, Derrick Lively II and P.J. Washington. Head coach Jason Kidd hopes that group will help Dallas become one of the NBA’s stronger defensive and rebounding units.
The Mavericks open the season Oct. 22 at home against the San Antonio Spurs.