Image Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Nico Harrison Urged Anthony Davis to Return Early Despite Being Warned of Achilles Tear

Anthony Davis has been dealing with a calf strain.

Image Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Former Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison has been accused of mishandling Anthony Davis’ injury. Notably, the Mavericks parted ways with Harrison earlier this week after the team got off to a disappointing start in the NBA 2025-26 season. After Harrison, the Mavs promoted assistant general managers Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi to lead the basketball operations until a new GM is hired. However, amidst all the fiasco, a new report has surfaced. It suggests that Harrison had urged Anthony Davis to return sooner, despite being warned by the medical staff of a potential torn Achilles.

According to The Athletic, Davis, who has been dealing with a left calf injury, tried to convince the Mavs to let him play as they struggled to survive in the ongoing season. However, apart from it, Harrison also urged him to return soon despite being warned by the medical staff of a potential Achilles tear.

“Monday’s loss to the Bucks marked the sixth straight game Davis has missed with a left calf strain,” the report suggested. “Multiple league sources said Davis has tried to convince the Mavs to let him return to the court, and Harrison urged him to return, but the team’s medical staff forbade it, citing the potential for a torn Achilles if Davis returned too soon.”

This adds another layer to the turmoil that the Mavericks have been going through.

When will Anthony Davis Return to Action?

The Mavericks’ loss to the Phoenix Suns marked the seventh consecutive game that Anthony Davis missed due to calf strain. However, he was listed as questionable on the injury report, a designation he has been holding for the last four games. However, as per reports, Mavericks’ governor Patrick Dumont requested medical data regarding the ten-time NBA All-Star.

Dumont is not expected to let Davis play until the medical report suggests that he is not at the risk of aggravating his strain. Notably, ever since his arrival in Dallas, the former Lakers star has played in only 14 games and a couple of play-in games. As of now, there is no update about the timeline of his return and it is to be seen when do the Mavs let their big man step on the court.

What Next for Nico Harrison and the Dallas Mavericks?

Nico Harrsion had been facing scrutiny of fans and pundits ever since he moved their general superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers last season. Since then, things started going south for the franchise. Now, even when the team has players like Cooper Flagg, they are struggling to survive the season. Talking about Nico Harrison, he is not looking to do anything related to basketball in the foreseeable future.

According to Chris H ayn es, Harrison is seemingly taking a break from his professional life and wants to spend time with his family. “He’s in good spirits, man. He’s going to take some time to be with himself and his family and just get away from everything,” Haynes said in an NBA TV interview. “It’s been a tough situation.”

On the other hand, Mark Cuban, the former majority owner of the Mavs, is reportedly back making decisions for them. According to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, Cuban will once again be involved in roster decisions. “I’m told that Mark Cuban, the Mavs’ minority owner who was exiled from basketball operations by Harrison, is back at the table,” Mannix stated.

“I’m also told that radical roster changes have already been discussed by Dallas’s new brain trust. Big changes could be coming to Big D.”

With absolute chaos unfolding in the Mavericks every new day, it is to be seen what lies ahead for fans. As far as their performance is concerned, they are seeded in the bottom-second spot of the standings with a 3-9 tally.

Dallas Mavericks

Nico Harrison

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.