When people think about the Feb 2 trade that shook the NBA, they seem to forget there was another pivotal member in the infamous trade. The Los Angeles Lakers weren’t the only team receiving a superstar in Luka Doncic; the Dallas Mavericks did so as well. Anthony Davis is no slouch of a player by any means imaginable. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to fully showcase his skill in Dallas due to injuries. However, ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season, Davis’ mentality is stronger than ever before.
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It’s easy to become engulfed in the theatrics that came about following the trade involving Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis. The majority of headlines focused on Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks’ relationship. Somehow, AD, who is a top 75 player of all time, became a forgotten aspect.
Nonetheless, Dallas and the team’s fans have certainly not forgotten him. He remains the main engine of the team’s championship hopes, even with the addition of the 2025 top overall pick Cooper Flagg.
Questions have constantly surrounded Davis’ health dating back to his days with the New Orleans Pelicans. During an interview with FOX 4’s Sam Gannon, Davis put all those rumors to bed.
“I feel great,” Davis proclaimed. “Had a little hiccup in the training with the eye and stuff like that. But I’m healthy and ready to go.”
The recent injury flare-up involving Davis involves a detached retina. The Mavericks believe the injury occurred on April 2 against the Atlanta Hawks via an incidental elbow from teammate Daniel Gafford. Davis revealed on media day that he will have to wear a pair of protective goggles for the rest of his career.
Anthony Davis caught friendly fire in the Mavericks’ April 2 game against the Hawks, which he said he believes is when the detached retina occurred. He returned to this game and played well. 34 points, 15 rebounds, 5 blocks. Hit the game winner. pic.twitter.com/fi3yDHXuFH
— Christian Clark (@christianpclark) September 29, 2025
Davis is ensuring he’s taking the necessary safety precautions to have a healthy and successful season. The number of injuries Davis has endured throughout his career would be overwhelming for most. Instead of folding in the face of adversity, Davis’ ability to press on relies on two simple words.
“Bounce back,” Davis said. “That’s the mentality. The more we try to feel sorry for ourselves or dwell on this hurt or an injury, it does nothing but slow us down.”
The level of maturity in Davis’ answer explains how he has been able to sustain such a great level of success through his 13 years in the NBA. The only thing on his mind now is doing his best to put the Mavericks in a position to win an NBA championship.
