The Dallas Mavericks are 9-15 since Luka Doncic last played a game for them.
Now as shocking as the trade was, it happened and nothing will change it. But when the Mavs organization made the trade that they did, it was to make deep playoff push this season. Because they traded for an older star in Anthony Davis, their timeline for a championship has shrunk and Nico Harrison and company had their made set on this year, locking down a championship this year.
But now, the Dallas Mavericks are one game in of the play-in tournament, have six centers/forwards on the injury list, AND their franchise wonder boy was traded away. Maverick fans have got to be fed up.
Dallas Maverick Injuries Outlined
Anthony Davis(PF) aka “Street Clothes” has been injury prone since entering the league. He’s missed nearly half of his games in the NBA due to being hurt so the Mavs knew the risk involving Davis. Well, the injury bug hit quick in Dallas; three quarters into his Mavs debut, Davis suffered a left adductor strain in his groin with the possibility of missing several weeks.
The injury is devastating for AD has been on an unreal run; he’s averaging 26 PPG and 12 RPG and had 26/16/7 before leaving his first game as a Maverick.
Daniel Gafford(C) exited a recent home game versus the Sacramento Kings in the second quarter. Early reports are indicating a knee sprain that at worst, will put him in on the bench for a couple weeks.
Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford injured his right knee while setting a screen and had to be helped to the locker room. pic.twitter.com/B048LOtwwX
— Noah Weber (@noahweber00) February 11, 2025
The injury was unappealing to look at, Gafford hyperextended his knee and began rolling around on the ground in immense pain.
PJ Washington(PF), the Dallas Maverick’s only power forward also missed last game due to a right ankle sprain that occurred in AD’s debut and is doubtful to return in Dallas’s next game. Washington has missed several games this season with similar injuries.
Derick Lively II(C) has missed over half of the season because of a right ankle stress fracture, an injury he suffered at the beginning of January, 2025. Likely will be out for several more weeks, at least. The second year NBA up-and-comer was explosive when able to play this season, he averaged 9 PPG and 8 RPG on 70% shooting.
Dwight Powell and Caleb Martin, both frontcourt options for the Mavericks, have also been sidelined this season due to injury. Powell, the 11 year Maverick hasn’t suited up since January 17th and will likely remain off the floor until after the All-Star break due to a hip injury. Martin, who was just traded from Philly, also has a hurt hip and is timetabled to return in two to three weeks.
So What Mavericks Are Left Standing?
With the injury-riddled roster, the Dallas Maverick’s front court is down to the crumbs. Things have gotten so grim that the Mavs were forced to cut players to sign G-League defensive specialist Kylor Kelley at the end of January. In the one game Kelley has started he had 12 points and 11 rebounds but off the bench he has struggled to get going.
In Dallas’ most recent game, second year forward Oliver-Maxence Prosper had big minutes and played well under the hoop. He finished with 16 points and will likely have increased minutes over the next several weeks.
But these two men, who will be largely responsible for the getting rebounds, have a combined four starts between them. The NBA experience is just not there so Jason Kidd will have his hands full finding a suitable rotation with the majority of his big men out.
But no matter the rotation, it will have to be a small-ball style of play. Small forward Naji Marshall could excel in this style of play. Dallas is now looking at him more than ever to step up.
Marshall has played well this season averaging a career high 11 PPG and is perhaps the Maverick’s best threat in the paint.
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