The age-old debate of Anthony Davis’ best position as a power forward or center could be in the spotlight again. The Mavericks’ 10-time NBA All-Star started the season playing at the four but has moved to the center position since he returned from a 14-game injury absence.
The Mavericks had a 1-3 record when Davis primarily played non-center minutes. He also started the Pacers game on Oct. 29, but played only seven minutes due to a left calf strain. Since Davis returned, the Mavericks are 4-1 with him in the lineup playing as the lone big.
Thanks for the submission!
Davis addressed his preference after the Mavericks beat the No. 2 Rockets 122-109 on Sunday. Here’s what he told reporters (via Mavericks’ reporter Abby Jones):
•
“I don’t know, I haven’t played the four much. So, I can’t really compare with our bigs being out, but just trying to play basketball. We have two bigs in [Gafford] and [Lively] who are a phenomenal force. When they probably get back, I’ll probably go to the four, but we’ll see, you know, we’ll see.”
Davis averaged 25.0 points, 11.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.5 blocks, shooting 52.1% in his first four games while primarily playing at power forward. Dallas had the worst offense with a 103.8 rating.
In five games starting at center, Davis has averaged 18.4 ppg, 10.2 rpg, 4.2 apg and 2.0 bpg, shooting 52.6% including 40.0% from deep, albeit on a low volume. The Mavericks have a 120.6 offensive rating in that span.
That’s despite Anthony Davis’ outlier games against the Lakers on Oct. 28, when he played only 28 minutes and scored 12 points, and on Friday against the Thunder, when he scored two points on 1 of 9 shots, a career-worst outing while playing at least 20 minutes.
Should Anthony Davis stay at center?
Anthony Davis playing at center isn’t the only reason why the Mavericks’ offense has flipped the script. The Mavericks have also implemented changes in other positions.
Most notably, rookie Ryan Nembhard has been in the starting lineup at point guard, while Davis has primarily played at center. Nembhard is one of the better passers and playmakers on the team despite his inexperience. He’s averaging 14.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg and 6.8 apg (highest on the team), while shooting 63.8%, including 68.2% in the last six games. Dallas is 6-2 in that stretch.
The Mavericks’ spacing has been undeniably better, especially for their other rookie, Cooper Flagg. He hasn’t found consistency from the 3-point line, shooting a measly 25.3%. However, Flagg has been a force from inside the arc.
While Ryan Nembhard’s presence has been massive, Anthony Davis should still stick to his minutes at center. If the Mavericks reintroduce Daniel Gafford or Dereck Lively II, leaving them three players in the lineup who won’t be spacing threats, regardless of Nembhard running point.
Edited by Arhaan Raje
