Anthony Davis injury twist saves Mavericks from nightmare start

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Anthony Davis played five-on-five last week, and he has returned to the practice floor after having eye surgery earlier this offseason. This was great news for Dallas, and after being sidelined during the Mavs' mini camp in California earlier this month, all signs are pointing to him being available for the season opener on October 22 against the San Antonio Spurs.

Davis being out for Dallas' first game would've been an absolute nightmare, as they need him badly since Kyrie Irving is out, and Mavericks fans would've been enraged. The heartbreak of last year would've overflowed into the beginning of the 2025-26 season, but now, there should be plenty of excitement surrounding the team as Cooper Flagg begins his rookie year and Davis begins his first full season with the team.

Mavs fans were already frustrated with Davis and his injuries dating back to last season, as he got injured in his first game with the team, and him missing the first game of the year due to a different injury would've been an entirely new gut punch.

Anthony Davis should be ready to rock before season begins

Not only would Mavericks fans have been furious, but it could've led to even more injuries for Davis over the course of the regular season. Davis being out for an extended time right before the regular season would've led to him being behind in his training regimen, and him not ramping up long enough before the regular season has led to complications in the past.

Now, Davis has some time to get ready for training camp, which begins next week, and he'll be able to get his body and mind right before the regular season begins. The Mavericks need Davis at his best, and while a full offseason of good health would've been ideal, being fully healthy for the start of the regular season is a major step in the right direction for him after he only played in nine regular-season games for Dallas last season.

Being without Davis to begin next season would've changed everything for Dallas, and now Mavericks fans can be excited about him finally getting the chance to prove to everyone that he is still a top big man in this league. Even though he had some great games as a Maverick, last season wasn't a great representation of his full potential, and Mavs fans could have a different opinion on him after a few games next season.

He never looked fully healthy as a Maverick, and as next season begins, his importance to the team is only going to increase. Davis is going to have to play at an elite level during Irving's absence to keep the Mavs in a good spot to make a playoff push at the end of the season, and his health and performance will likely end up being Dallas' biggest swing factors for the season.

The Mavs need Davis at his MVP form, just like he was to begin last season for the Los Angeles Lakers, and him being back on the floor ahead of training camp gives him a much better shot of returning to that type of dominance.