If the Dallas Mavericks are "cursed," it's hard to blame the NBA gods. After all, after the Mavs traded away Luka Doncic, both Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving have been bitten by the injury bug. On top of that, Quentin Grimes has broken out as a high-level starter.
Of course, the Mavericks also shot up in last year's NBA Draft Lottery, so maybe "curse" isn't the best label. Still, with Davis injuring his hand earlier this month, it feels like Dallas can't catch a break.
Before the injury, Davis was one of the biggest names on the trade market. Now, it seems interest in him has taken a step back, and a recent update doesn't bode well for his trade value.
Dallas Mavericks Get Trade, Injury Update on AD
Initially, it was reported that Davis would be out for "several months," although after he declined surgery, it seems the injury might not be as severe. In fact, Davis is already working out on the court, although he is yet to resume full-contact drills.
"Davis has returned to Dallas and is working through the early stages of the rehabilitation process," wrote DallasHoopsJournal's insider Grant Afseth. "Davis has begun light on-court work since rejoining the team in Dallas, wearing a protective glove over his left hand. With Davis injuring his non-shooting hand, he can work to stay sharp as his left hand heals from a non-surgical approach."
The NBA trade deadline is set for February 5, and there is no expectation that Davis will return in time. In fact, it is expected that he will sit out through the All-Star Break.
"Given the Jan. 8 injury date, Davis is expected to miss the remainder of the Mavericks’ schedule leading into the All-Star break," Afseth reported. "Dallas resumes play Feb. 20 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, though no firm target date has been established for Davis’ return to game action."
That leaves wannabee contenders like the Toronto Raptors or Atlanta Hawks enough runway for Davis to join their team in time for a playoff push, although it is doubtful that he will be at full strength, and given his injury history, a setback seems a lot more likley that a sudden improvement.