Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis will not undergo surgery on his injured left hand, following a second opinion from specialist Dr. Steven Shin in Los Angeles. The decision, confirmed by league sources to ESPN, comes after initial assessments suggested surgery was necessary to address ligament damage. Davis will now be reevaluated in six weeks.
Despite the positive news regarding surgery, Davis may still be sidelined for up to eight weeks or longer. The 32-year-old sustained the injury during a defensive play against Lauri Markkanen of the Utah Jazz in a game on January 11, where he recorded 21 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and one block in 35 minutes.
The Mavericks, currently navigating a challenging season, have been exploring trade options involving Davis as the February 5, 2025, trade deadline approaches. Various teams have expressed interest, and negotiations are ongoing. Since joining the Mavericks in a controversial trade that sent Luka Doncic to Los Angeles, Davis has faced several injuries, limiting him to just 29 regular-season games.
With Davis on the court, the Mavericks have a record of 10-10, contrasting sharply with their 5-15 performance without him. This discrepancy underscores his importance to the team as they seek to build around rookie standout Cooper Flagg, a candidate for Rookie of the Year.
In the current season, Davis has averaged 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.7 blocks over 20 games. The Mavericks are prioritizing their long-term strategy while hoping to navigate the upcoming trade deadline effectively. The impact of Davis’s absence and the decisions made in the coming weeks could significantly shape the team’s future.
As the Mavericks adjust to the evolving situation, all eyes will be on Davis’s recovery and the potential moves leading up to the trade deadline.
