Shaq Urges Mavericks to Make Bold Move with Anthony Davis Following Kyrie Irving’s Injury
The Dallas Mavericks were dealt a devastating blow on Tuesday when the severity of Kyrie Irving’s knee injury was disclosed. Sadly, the nine-time All-Star is now sidelined for the rest of the season after tearing his left ACL.
What initially appeared to be a simple knee sprain after Irving was forced to leave Monday’s game against the Sacramento Kings has turned out to be much more serious.
Meanwhile, Anthony Davis also missed the game against the Kings on Monday. He is still battling a left adductor strain, which has caused him to sit out the Mavericks’ last nine games. The 10-time All-Star has missed all but one contest since his mid-season trade from the Los Angeles Lakers.
It now appears Davis might have already played his final game of the season for the Mavs.
NBA Hall of Famer and TNT analyst Shaquille O’Neal has weighed in on the situation, recommending that the Mavericks shut down Davis for the rest of the season.
“I think the Dallas organization needs to follow the Joel Embiid approach and shut AD down as well,” Shaq said, referencing how the 21-39 Philadelphia 76ers have ruled Embiid out for the remainder of the season. “Focus on next year.”
O’Neal strongly believes there’s no reason to risk Davis’ health with Irving out for the season.
“They have no chance of winning a championship without Kyrie and a healthy AD, so if I were [general manager Nico Harrison] and the team, I’d shut AD down,” Shaq added. “We’ll work him hard in the summer and come back stronger next season.”
It’s important to note that Shaq’s suggestion is not without foundation. NBA insider Shams Charania reported on Tuesday that Dallas might indeed shut Davis down for the year due to Irving’s season-ending injury.
With the Mavericks at a pivotal moment, a major decision regarding Davis could be on the horizon.