Anthony Davis has taken a major step in his recovery, returning to full practice action for the first time since undergoing eye surgery in July.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported that Davis participated in 5-on-5 workouts this week, marking his first game-speed activity since surgery to repair a detached retina. The development signals that the Dallas Mavericks star is nearing clearance for preseason competition.
Davis’ time in Dallas has been eventful since his February trade from the Los Angeles Lakers. The blockbuster deal sent Luka Doncic to Los Angeles in exchange for Davis, Max Christie, and draft picks, one of the most shocking swaps in league history.
The All-Star big man quickly made an impact in his Mavericks debut, delivering 26 points, 16 rebounds, and seven assists in a win over Houston. However, injuries limited his availability during the remainder of the season.
A strained adductor sidelined him for 18 games in March. He later battled an eye injury in April but still posted standout performances, including a 34-point, 15-rebound effort against Atlanta and a triple-double with seven blocks against Toronto.
Dallas was ultimately eliminated in the Play-In Tournament despite Davis scoring 40 points against Memphis. The team has viewed his health as a central priority heading into the 2025–26 campaign.
Over his 12-year career, Davis has averaged 24.1 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game while earning seven All-Star selections. His ability to stay on the floor consistently will play a critical role in Dallas’ trajectory in the Western Conference.
