Stephen A. Smith: Mavericks Can Win It All If Anthony Davis Stays on the Floor

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by Raymund Tamayo

Mavericks big man Anthony Davis.
Mavericks big man Anthony Davis. Photo: Getty Images.

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith just dropped a bold take that has Mavs Nation buzzing — the Dallas Mavericks could be the next NBA champions, but only if Anthony Davis manages to stay healthy.

On First Take, Stephen A didn’t hold back, calling Dallas “the dark horse of the West” despite the Oklahoma City Thunder entering the season as the defending champs.

“If Anthony Davis shows up with his A-game and stays healthy, the Dallas Mavericks will win the NBA championship,” Smith declared. “That’s not a guess. That’s legit.”

For Dallas, it all comes down to A.D. The big man has been the anchor in the paint, erasing shots, grabbing boards, and dominating on both ends — when he’s on the floor. The catch, of course, is his durability. Years of nagging injuries have made every postseason run a question mark.

But when Davis is locked in, the Mavs look scary. And he’s not carrying the load alone. Dallas retooled last summer, and surrounding Davis is a mix of proven champions and rising stars. Kyrie Irving has battled through his own injuries but remains one of the best shot-creators in the league. Klay Thompson has brought his championship pedigree and deadly shooting, giving Dallas a reliable weapon when defenses collapse on Davis.

Then there’s the future face of the franchise: rookie phenom Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 pick of 2025. While still adjusting to the NBA grind, Flagg’s instincts, hustle, and defensive flashes already show why scouts were raving. His energy and versatility add depth to a squad hungry to make a deep run.

The road won’t be easy. Oklahoma City, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, still looks like the team to beat. Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets are always looming. Ja Morant’s Grizzlies are on the rise again, and Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs have the league buzzing.

But Stephen A. is betting on Dallas. With Davis at full strength, supported by Irving and Thompson’s playoff-tested experience, plus a glimpse of the future in Flagg, the Mavs have the star power to shock the NBA world.

As Smith put it:

“Nobody can say A.D. can’t play. We know better than that.”

Mavs fans, buckle up — this could be a wild ride.