The relatively new-look Dallas Mavericks are preparing to open their first training camp without Luka Doncic on the roster since the 2017-18 campaign, following a drama-filled season that ended without a playoff berth.
The Mavericks, however, received a promising update on star big man Anthony Davis, whom they acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers in the Doncic trade. Davis underwent surgery in July to repair a detached retina but has since been cleared for training camp, according to Joey Mistretta of ClutchPoints.
Davis returned to five-on-five work just over a week ago and appears ready to go ahead of the team’s preseason opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Oct. 6. While it’s unclear how much the 32-year-old will actually play in the exhibition slate, Davis is expected to be available when the regular season tips off, barring any setbacks.
MORE: Kyrie Irving unveils creative tribute to Mavericks teammate Klay Thompson
Anthony Davis, Mavericks aiming to rebound in 2025-26
Davis is set to carry the load for the Mavericks with Kyrie Irving sidelined until at least January as he recovers from a torn ACL. When Irving returns, he will join a stacked lineup featuring Davis, Klay Thompson, No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg and Dereck Lively.
Davis, in particular, is also looking to bounce back from an injury-riddled 2024-25 season. He was fairly durable early in the season with the Lakers before suffering a left adductor strain during his Mavericks debut on Feb. 8. The injury sidelined him for over a month, and he played just eight more regular-season games afterward.
Still, the 2012 No. 1 overall pick averaged a double-double for the third consecutive season. He averaged 24.7 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.2 blocks and 1.2 steals per game over 51 regular-season appearances between the Mavericks and Lakers in 2024-25.
Now, Davis shifts his focus to training camp, which begins Tuesday in Vancouver, Canada.
More NBA News:
- Warriors bring back fan favorite Gary Payton II on new deal
- Warriors agree to new deal with De'Anthony Melton ahead of 2025-26 season
- Ex-Bucks Star Damian Lillard reveals return timeline with IShowSpeed
- Celtics analyst predicts Boston will part ways with fan-favorite forward
- 76ers coach Nick Nurse applauds V.J. Edgecombe's 'great strides'