Dallas Mavericks center Anthony Davis will avoid surgery on his injured left hand and will be re-evaluated in six weeks, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Charania reported Tuesday night that Davis obtained a second opinion from Los Angeles hand specialist Dr. Steven Shin, who confirmed that an operation is unnecessary at this time. The update clarified a day of conflicting information about the All-Star’s status and potential recovery timeline.
Earlier Tuesday, veteran reporter Marc Stein noted optimism that Davis could return before the end of March even if surgery had been required. Charania’s initial story suggested a procedure might sideline the 30-year-old for several months and possibly end his season, particularly if he remained with Dallas.
The uncertainty prompted Davis to post on social media: “Yall better stop listening to all these lies on these apps!” The post did not specify whether he was challenging reports of a surgical recommendation, the length of a possible absence, or speculation that the Mavericks have reopened trade discussions involving him.
Davis sustained ligament damage last Thursday against the Utah Jazz while defending forward Lauri Markkanen. Since then, he has consulted multiple medical experts before choosing the non-surgical path.
Sources told Hoops Wire that a trade could change the timeline calculus for any acquiring club, which might target a late-season or playoff return for the eight-time All-Star.
The Mavericks have not announced a formal timetable beyond the planned six-week evaluation.
Source: Hoops Wire
