Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd announced on Monday that Anthony Davis might return to play at the power forward position. Davis started the season there, but has played at center since returning from a calf injury on Nov. 28. He was largely successful in either position. However, collectively, the Mavericks fared better with him at the five.
They went 1-3 when Davis started at power forward and finished those games. Since moving to the center spot permanently, the 10-time All-Star has led Dallas to a 5-3 record. Since snubbing the two-big lineup upon Davis' return, the Mavericks' offense has posted a 116.7 offensive rating, which ranks 11th in the NBA.
They were dead last in that area in the four full games Davis played as a power forward, posting a 103.8 offensive rating. However, Kidd isn't planning to stick with Davis at the five at all times.
•
![]()
Here's what he said on Monday before the Mavericks took on Davis' former team, the Pelicans (via Mavericks beat writer Mike Curtis):
Explore the NBA Draft 2024 with our free NBA Mock Draft Simulator & be the GM of your favorite NBA team.
"He's helping us win games and helping us be in a position to win games. He's playing at the 5 right now and at some point here down the road, I think we'll get him back to the 4."Jason Kidd on Anthony Davis: "AD's playing great...He's helping us win games and helping us be in a position to win games. He's playing at the 5 right now and at some point here down the road, I think we'll get him back to the 4."
After watching the Mavericks find tremendous success with Anthony Davis at center, the team's fan base was frustrated by Jason Kidd's decision. Here's how they reacted:
@NationMffl @MikeACurtis2 He’s not getting traded
@NationMffl @MikeACurtis2 Noooo
@NationMffl Just get this dude off the team is all I ask.
@NationMffl @MikeACurtis2 On another team maybe. Or if you are 100% committing to the tank. Because he s*cks balls at the 4.
@NationMffl @MikeACurtis2 That’s a horrible idea
@NationMffl @MikeACurtis2 Trade him now. Like this minute. He's a 5. Offense gets all discombobulated when he plays 4
Jason Kidd's comments suggest Mavericks plan to keep Anthony Davis beyond the trade deadline
Anthony Davis has dominated the trade rumor mill over the past couple of months, especially since former Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison's dismissal. Harrison was the key architect of Dallas landing Davis, even if it meant trading franchise player Luka Doncic for the 32-year-old.
Davis' tenure with the Mavericks has been underwhelming. He's spent more time on the sidelines than on the court with various injuries, playing only 23 games since he joined them in Feb.
Several reports have indicated that the Mavericks are exploring trades for Davis, but at the same time, taking a patient approach. The team is 13-9 in the games he has played. Davis also played only one game alongside co-star Kyrie Irving, so the Mavericks don't have enough of a sample size to judge this team's ceiling.
The reporting has been balanced around Anthony Davis' future, but after Jason Kidd's plans for his star player, it seems the former NBA champion is staying in Dallas beyond the trade deadline.
Why did you not like this content?
- Clickbait / Misleading
- Factually Incorrect
- Hateful or Abusive
- Baseless Opinion
- Too Many Ads
- Other
Was this article helpful?
Thank You for feedback
Edited by Arhaan Raje

1 hour ago
2
English (US)