Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis is still not fully cleared for basketball activity, raising uncertainty about his availability for the start of the 2025–26 season.
NBA insider Marc Stein addressed Davis’ status on the DLLS Dallas Mavericks Podcast, noting that the big man has not returned to full practice. “Based on everything that I’m told, he’s not fully back on the court yet. He can’t be fully back on the court yet,” Stein said, via Larry Brown Sports.
With Mavericks training camp scheduled to begin September 30, Davis’ participation remains in question. “When practices start on September 30th, will AD even be ready to practice at that point? We don’t know that yet,” Stein added.
Opening Night is set for October 22, leaving the franchise little time to get its centerpiece forward into game shape. “Is AD gonna be ready to go on Opening Night? October 22nd ain’t that far away. There’s so many questions,” Stein continued.
Davis joined Dallas in February in a blockbuster trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, marking one of the most high-profile player swaps in league history. In his Mavericks debut, he delivered 26 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks, showing immediate impact.
But injuries quickly interrupted his run. A strained left adductor sidelined him for multiple weeks, and although he returned in March, health concerns persisted. Despite those setbacks, Davis produced standout performances, including a 40-point game in the Play-In Tournament against Memphis.
The eight-time All-Star finished last season averaging 20.0 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks in nine games with Dallas. For his career, he holds averages of 24.1 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks, cementing his status as one of the league’s most dominant two-way players when healthy.
The Mavericks are banking on Davis to anchor their new era following the departure of Doncic. His availability for camp and Opening Night will be crucial to the team’s chemistry, especially as Dallas looks to re-establish itself as a playoff contender in the Western Conference.
