Protective goggles are now part of Anthony Davis’ game, a permanent change after offseason surgery to repair a detached retina.

Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis was injured late last season in a collision with Daniel Gafford. A routine summer exam revealed more damage, leading to a July 8 procedure that sidelined him for more than a month.

“The eye feels great,” Davis said. “These drops have been put in my eye, which causes a little redness, but the vision is back, and I’m ready to go.”

Doctors told Davis he will need eyewear for the rest of his career.

“That is a mandate from the doctor that I have to – for the rest of my career – which I’m not too excited about,” he said. “I’ve been wearing them in the summer working out and kind of getting used to them. But yeah, you guys will see me in the Horace Grants this year. Kareems.”

The surgery delayed Davis’ usual offseason buildup, though he said it allowed rare family time.

“The recovery was about four-to-five weeks when I really had to let the eye rest and heal,” Davis said. “So, I had plenty of family time with the kids and the wife.”

Davis returned to camp in Vancouver determined to stay on the court. His Mavericks debut in February was dominant — 26 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists and three blocks against Houston — but a strained adductor that night kept him out 18 games. Dallas went 6-12 without him.

“I just want to be on the court as much as possible, knowing that gives our team a better chance of winning,” Davis said.

In nine games with Dallas, he averaged 20 points and 10.1 rebounds, finishing with 40 in the play-in loss to Memphis.

This season, Davis is also embracing the role of veteran leader alongside Klay Thompson, with head coach Jason Kidd and general manager Nico Harrison urging him to be more vocal.

“I know they’re going to be looking on me to kind of lead them,” Davis said. “I’ve kind of just taken on that role with the help of actually Klay as well, as being two of the three oldest guys on the team.”

The Mavericks’ depth, Davis added, makes them one of the most talented groups he has played on. That includes rookie Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick, who Davis said won’t face the usual pressure of transforming a rebuilding roster.

“For him, he’s coming to a team that’s established and have veteran talent, and he doesn’t have to do as much as a normal No. 1 pick has to do,” Davis said. “The pressure is really non-existent for him, and we’re going to make sure that we keep it that way.”

For Davis, the message hasn’t changed since his arrival in Dallas.

“The goal is still to bring a championship here,” he said. “I’m happy to be here, I’m excited to be here, and I want to win here.”