Kendrick Perkins believes one Dallas Mavericks star is constantly slept on by NBA fans.
The Dallas Mavericks have miraculously turned around what looked to be a dire situation for years to come.
After the Mavericks traded Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis, fans felt that they had just sacrificed their future for a shot at short-term success.
With Kyrie Irving’s ACL injury in March, this feeling only grew stronger. But then, in a turn of events few could have seen coming, the Mavericks earned the #1 overall pick.
The Mavericks landed Cooper Flagg, who is set to be the future of their franchise. And suddenly, many expect the Mavericks to be in the title mix for years to come.
But for all the excitement surrounding Flagg, Kendrick Perkins thinks there is one star on their team who doesn’t get the credit he deserves.
Kendrick Perkins spoke on NBA Today about the Dallas Mavericks. He believes that NBA fans often forget just how special Anthony Davis can be.
And now that Davis is surrounded by Cooper Flagg, Dereck Lively, and Daniel Gafford, he can be the most dominant version of himself.
“They arguably have the best front line in basketball in Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively, and Anthony Davis, and you throw in a sprinkle of PJ Washington and Cooper Flagg.
“Marshall was pretty damn good for them last year, he’s back, and in the pickup of D’Angelo Russell to hold it down until Kyrie Irving returns.
“With the leadership and head coaching of Jason Kidd. They’re going to be a force defensively.
“And I think we forget, at times, how special and how dominant Anthony Davis could look when he’s healthy and available.”
As things stand, the Dallas Mavericks are one of the stronger teams in the Western Conference. However, the Mavericks will be without Kyrie Irving for most of the season.
The hope among the Mavericks faithful is that Anthony Davis and Cooper Flagg can keep the team competitive. At least until Irving can make his return.
The Mavericks signed D’Angelo Russell to be Kyrie Irving’s replacement. He will be their starting point guard until Irving can return.
If the Mavericks can keep pace in the West, they will be a dark horse in the playoffs.
But title wins aren’t made by ifs and buts. The players will have to deliver at the highest level possible. But where there was once no hope, there is renewed optimism in Dallas.
