You’ve probably seen the "Street Clothes" memes. Honestly, they’re getting a bit old. It is 2026, and somehow, we are still having the exact same conversation about Anthony Davis that we were having back in 2016. It’s wild. One night he looks like the greatest defensive force to ever touch a basketball, and the next, he’s headed to the locker room with a grimace that makes every Lakers—and now Mavericks—fan hold their breath.
The talent is undeniable. He's a 6'10" unicorn with a 7'6" wingspan who can switch onto guards and swallow up rim attempts like they’re nothing. But the narrative around him is always stuck in this weird limbo between "Top 5 Player" and "Perpetually Unavailable."
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The Dallas Experiment and the Luka Trade
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. The trade. February 2025 changed everything when the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks pulled off that absolute shocker, sending Luka Dončić to Hollywood and bringing Anthony Davis to Texas. It was a "win-now" move for Dallas, pairing AD with the rookie sensation Cooper Flagg to anchor a defense that had been, frankly, pretty porous.
But how has it actually worked?
So far, it’s been a rollercoaster. When Davis is on the floor, the Mavericks actually look like a playoff team. They are 10-10 this season when he plays. Without him? It’s a struggle. He’s currently averaging 20.4 points and 11.1 rebounds. Those are "down" numbers for him, which is hilarious because most centers would give their left arm for that production. He’s still a monster on the glass and a deterrent at the rim, but the explosiveness we saw during the 2020 Bubble run feels like it’s being metered out in small doses now.
Why 2026 is Feeling a Lot Like 2016
There’s a strange sense of déjà vu happening right now. Back in 2016, with the Pelicans, Davis was putting up historic numbers—24 and 10 with over 2 blocks—but his body just wouldn't cooperate. Fast forward a decade, and he’s dealing with a left hand injury sustained against Lauri Markkanen and the Utah Jazz.
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Initially, the reports were grim. Shams Charania dropped a bomb saying Davis needed surgery and was basically done for the year. The internet went into a frenzy. Then, a few hours later, Davis himself basically called out the reports on social media, posting "Lies!" on X.
The latest? He avoided surgery after a second opinion from Dr. Steven Shin in LA. He’s looking at a six-week re-evaluation timeline for that ligament damage in his hand. But the damage to the Mavericks' season might already be done. They’re sitting 12th in the West, and the trade rumors are swirling again. Atlanta? Toronto? Everyone wants the idea of Anthony Davis, but the reality is getting harder to manage.
The Defensive Impact Nobody Talks About
We obsess over his points, but Anthony Davis is still one of the smartest defenders in the league. Even with the injuries, his "Defensive IQ" is off the charts. He isn’t just blocking shots; he’s taking away entire passing lanes. According to recent 2025-26 tracking data, he still ranks in the 88th percentile for defensive playmaking.
- Rim Protection: Still elite. He’s averaging 1.7 blocks, which is lower than his career average of 2.3, but his "contest rate" is still among the league leaders.
- Versatility: He’s one of the few bigs who can actually survive a switch against a guy like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
- Rebounding: He’s still a vacuum. 11.1 boards per game isn't an accident; it's a result of elite positioning.
The problem is that defense is exhausting. Playing the "helper" role in Dallas has put a lot of miles on his legs. He’s 32 now—turning 33 soon—and the "Board-Enforcing Bullmasher" style (as the 2K26 devs like to call it) takes a toll.
What People Get Wrong About AD
The biggest misconception is that he’s "soft." If you’ve ever taken a literal elbow from a 250-pound athlete while jumping four feet in the air, you’d know there’s nothing soft about it. Davis plays a style of basketball that invites contact. He lives in the "danger zone" of the paint.
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Another myth? That he doesn't care. If you watch his frustration after the Jazz game, it’s pretty clear he wants to be out there. The issue isn't heart; it's bio-mechanics. His 15-pound weight gain entering this season was supposed to help him absorb contact, but then a freak hand injury happens. That’s not a lack of conditioning; that’s just bad luck.
The Trade Deadline Dilemma
With the February 5 deadline approaching, the Mavericks are in a tough spot. Do you move a guy like Anthony Davis for a "cut-price" deal just to get off his $54 million salary? Or do you hold on, hoping he returns in March to lead a Play-In push with Cooper Flagg?
The Hawks and Raptors have been the names most linked to him. Toronto, specifically, could use a veteran anchor for their young core. But any team trading for him has to accept the "Davis Tax"—knowing he might miss 20+ games a year.
Practical Next Steps for Following the AD Saga
If you’re tracking Davis for your fantasy league or just because you’re a fan, keep an eye on these specific markers over the next month:
- The Six-Week Re-evaluation: This is the big one. If the hand isn't healing correctly by late February, Dallas might shut him down entirely to preserve his trade value for the summer.
- Cooper Flagg’s Usage: Watch how the rookie plays without AD. If Flagg thrives as the primary interior presence, it makes Davis more expendable in the front office's eyes.
- The "Lies" Tweets: Honestly, follow his socials. Davis has been more vocal lately about "misinformation." If he starts practicing earlier than the six-week mark, it’s a sign he’s pushing for a return.
- Trade Market Shifts: Watch the Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks. If they start moving smaller pieces now, they might be clearing cap space for a blockbuster AD move.
Anthony Davis remains the ultimate "What If" player of his generation. He has the rings, the gold medals, and the Hall of Fame resume. But as we head into the back half of the 2026 season, the question isn't about his greatness—it's about whether his body will let him show it one last time.