Anthony Davis Practicing With Mavericks’ G-League Affiliate, But Is Returning Worth It?

The Dallas Mavericks’ injury woes are no secret. Days after the massively controversial trade that saw Anthony Davis go to Dallas, he left his first game with the Mavericks with an adductor strain. Dereck Lively II sustained an ankle fracture, Daniel Gafford sprained his MCL, and Kyrie Irving‘s season ended with a torn ACL.

Now, Davis and Lively are reportedly moving toward a return, but with the Mavericks already on the verge of having to forfeit games, it’s nearly guaranteed to be too little, too late.

This week saw Davis and guard Jalen Hardy assigned to the Mavericks’ G-League affiliate, the Texas Legends, where they’ll be able to practice and scrimmage. This conditioning makes it likely that Davis is en route to a near return, possibly by the end of March.

Meanwhile, the Mavericks’ recent run of games has left the team questioning whether it’s worth Davis returning at all this season. The team has fallen to 33-36, including going 1-6 since Irving’s injury, clinging to the final play-in spot in the Western Conference. It’s unlikely, to say the least, that they’ll contend for any sort of real spot in the playoffs.

To Davis’ credit, though, he is reportedly “steadfast” in his determination to return this season. A return would help him build chemistry in Dallas, potentially allowing the team to salvage what’s left of a spiraling season, but also carries the very real risk of re-aggravating his injury.

Despite the lost season, it looks like Davis may return this month. But it remains to be seen whether even his return can ignite the enthusiasm of a straggling Mavericks fanbase.