Forfeiting has been a risk for the Mavs as of late, as they might not have enough guys to make it through the season. Even with some Mavericks expected back by the end of the regular season, it might not matter with the Phoenix Suns right behind the Mavs in the standings. The only good news is that Phoenix has been playing at a below-average level this whole season, and they have an extremely tough stretch ahead of them.
While this Mavs season is one for the history books, it might be best for Dallas to stay in a more conservative route for the rest of the season, as risking Anthony Davis' health for just a handful of games might not be even worth it at this point. Davis is nearing a return from the adductor injury he suffered in his Mavs debut, but this may not be the best plan.
Anthony Davis' return risks re-injury, and it's not worth it at all
There's no doubt that Davis' return will be one of the most anticipated days this season, but as a brief reminder, it only took Davis three quarters in a Mavericks uniform to go down to a long-term injury. This prompted more frustration about the unfathomable Luka Doncic trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, as the Mavericks just looked like a much older team compared to before the trade.
Davis will be a piece that Dallas has to handle carefully, as Davis' injury history is nothing to be joked around with. Even if Davis were to come back for a few games, the Mavs will have to lean on him a lot on an already undermanned team. With Dallas already trapped in trying to decide to sign Kessler Edwards, Brandon Williams, or a different player to a standard deal in April, this is already spelling danger for Davis coming back.
The only relevant reason for Davis to make a serious return potentially for playoff play would be if Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford also return. It's just more incentive for Davis to suit up and give his full effort. Without Irving, the incentive just went down the drain for any last gasp at a playoff miracle. Irving provides exactly what Davis needs, which is a pick-and-roll maestro, unfortunately, Davis won't have that when he takes the court once again.
The only positive thing to take away is that Irving said that he would come back better and stronger than ever, and hopefully, that's true, but watching Davis at 100 percent with fresh legs for next season is a much better option rather than just forcing him in the lineup in a very complicated scenario.
