Dallas Mavericks center Anthony Davis has sustained a significant left hand injury, specifically ligament damage that may necessitate surgery and result in him being sidelined for several months, as reported by ESPN. The injury occurred during the Mavericks’ close game against the Utah Jazz, where Davis was defending star player Lauri Markkanen. Subsequent tests confirmed the ligament damage, prompting the Mavericks to seek a second opinion to assess the best treatment plan.
Having played 20 games this season, Davis has averaged impressive stats with 20.4 points and 11.1 rebounds per game. However, injuries have plagued his career, with this season seeing him miss 15 games due to a calf injury, followed by a groin issue that caused him to sit out additional matchups.
This latest injury not only affects the Mavericks but also reverberates through the league, particularly for teams like the Atlanta Hawks, who were eyeing Davis as a trade acquisition ahead of the February 5 deadline. With the Hawks clearing space through a recent trade of Trae Young to the Washington Wizards, their interest in Davis was growing. However, his current injury status poses a significant hurdle for any potential trade negotiations.
Dallas, currently holding a record of 14-24, is preparing to navigate the season without their key player as they await clarity on the extent of Davis’s injury and potential recovery timeline. Meanwhile, other teams looking to bolster their rosters may also need to reassess their strategies in light of Davis’s health condition. The hope remains that Davis can recover swiftly and return to the court, bringing his talents back to the game.