ESPN’s Bobby Marks, Kevin Pelton, Zach Kram and Jeremy Woo report that Dallas must soon decide whether to place Anthony Davis on the trade block. One Western Conference executive told Marks that acquiring the eight-time All-Star would be “a $175 million gamble” until Davis proves he can stay healthy for an extended stretch.
Davis, 32, is in the first season of a three-year, $175 million contract and will become extension-eligible this summer. Because the deal already represents 35 percent of the salary cap, rival executives expressed concern about committing long-term money to a player with a lengthy injury history. The forward is currently out with a calf strain.
Kyrie Irving progressing ahead of schedule
On ESPN’s “NBA Today,” Marc J. Spears said guard Kyrie Irving is “looking good” and could return around late January or the All-Star break. According to Spears, a person close to Irving believes the veteran could play immediately if the postseason began today, but any decision will depend on the club’s record and Davis’s status.
Rookie Cooper Flagg rebounds after slow start
No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg managed just two points before halftime against Portland on Sunday, then erupted for 19 after intermission to secure Dallas’s fourth win. Flagg credited center Daniel Gafford for advising him to “slow down” and let the game come to him.
Moussa Cisse earns first NBA start
With Davis, Gafford (right ankle management) and Dereck Lively II (right knee management) among six Mavericks sidelined for Monday’s back-to-back, two-way rookie Moussa Cisse started at center. The 6-foot-10 big man is averaging 4.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 10.8 minutes over 10 appearances.
Brandon Williams and Klay Thompson spark offense
DallasHoopsJournal.com notes that guard Brandon Williams has leveraged his speed to create downhill pressure and late-game chemistry with Flagg. On Sunday Klay Thompson tied his season high with 19 points, drawing defensive attention that produced open looks for teammates, Afseth wrote.
Source: Hoops Rumors
