Kidd's Anthony Davis update fuels growing push for bold Mavericks decision

Big decisions loom for the Dallas Mavericks. For starters, the team has 12 games left of the season. This is important because the Mavs need to figure out what direction they are headed. Dallas lost its sixth straight game on Wednesday, and all signs point toward the lottery. However, the team isn't ready to quit, as players still believe the team has what it takes to make a run.

The Mavericks must also decide what to do with Brandon Williams and Kessler Edwards. Both players are on two-way deals, and their time with the team may be coming to an end. The team has until April 10 to decide which player they want to sign to a standard contract. If the team hopes to have Williams for the playoffs, they will need to sign him to a deal.

Another dilemma for the team is whether they should bring back Anthony Davis. It's possible he could come back this season, as the team could desperately use him to make a deep playoff run. While Davis is eager to get back on the court, some Mavs officials don't believe that's a good idea.

Mavericks face tough decision on Davis' return with season slipping away

As mentioned, the Mavs are in a difficult spot. The team is tied with the Phoenix Suns for the No. 10 seed, and two games ahead of the Portland Trail Blazers. The Mavs' upcoming schedule includes games against the Detroit Pistons, Brooklyn Nets, and New York Knicks. Two of the three games are winnable if Dallas plays their cards right.

So, bringing back Davis might not be a bad idea. Right? Well, it depends on how you interpret Coach Jason Kidd's quote. In his pregame interview before Wednesday's game against the Indiana Pacers, Kidd talked about Davis and his recovery from the adductor strain he suffered in the first game with the team.

"He's trending in the right place," Kidd said. "He had a positive experience in the practice. He'll continue to do things this week."

Kidd went on to mention that they hope things continue to trend in a positive direction and that Davis is "still some time away" from playing. Kidd's words might have more meaning than you think. Recently, Davis was assigned to the G League to practice with the Texas Legends, as it's assumed he could make his long-awaited return soon. Even though the team doesn't have a time frame for when Davis will return, his assignment implies that it could be sooner rather than later, but Kidd doesn't seem convinced his return is super close.

At this point, it might be best to sit out Davis for the season if his return is still a ways away. As mentioned, the team is now tied with Phoenix, and the Suns hold the tiebreaker, technically meaning the Suns hold a one-game lead over the Mavs now. This means that Dallas is behind in getting the 10th seed, and Phoenix has the chance to get even more ahead in every game they play. Not to mention they would then have to win two play-in games in a row to actually make the playoffs.

Assuming the Mavs were to try and make the playoffs, this could be disastrous for Davis. The amount of games Dallas would need to win to make the postseason could take a toll on Davis. It risks the idea of him re-injuring himself. If he were to get hurt again, then it hurt his chances of being healthy for training camp next season depending on what his injury was. This would be a huge blow to the team, as they will be without Kyrie Irving to start the season.

So, to revert to the Mavs' dilemma in the beginning, the team should try and get a good draft pick and explore tanking for the remainder of the season. This is one of the few years where Dallas owns their first-round draft pick. It's best to play it safe and save Davis for next year. It would also allow other players like Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford, and P.J. Washington to start next season fresh. Be patient Mavs fans. Next year could provide a different outcome, and it's crucial they don't rush Davis back, regardless of how eager he is to play.