Overview
- NBA insider Marc Stein said Davis has not fully returned to on-court work following July surgery for a detached retina, raising questions about his readiness for training camp and the Oct. 22 opener vs. the Spurs.
- The Mavericks had expected a training-camp return after the procedure on July 8, but Davis’ current status suggests a slower ramp-up than initially hoped.
- Rich Paul previously indicated Davis would be ready for camp, a timeline now at odds with the latest reporting on his recovery.
- Kyrie Irving is not expected back until at least January due to a torn ACL, increasing the impact of Davis’ availability on Dallas’ early-season plans; Dereck Lively II is expected to be ready after July foot surgery.
- If Davis is out to start the season, reporting points to larger roles for Cooper Flagg and potential starts for P.J. Washington and Klay Thompson alongside D’Angelo Russell and Derrick Lively II.