Stay Alert for AD” – NBA Analyst’s Stern Warning to Anthony Davis’ Competitors for 2025-26 Season | NBA News Times of India

The Dallas Mavericks, with Anthony Davis healthy and on their roster, are poised to be one of the most intriguing teams in the NBA for the 2025-26 season. Much attention has been directed towards Luka Doncic moving to Los Angeles and rookie Cooper Flagg’s arrival in Dallas. However, ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins believes that opponents are underestimating the Mavericks’ greatest weapon, Anthony Davis.

Perkins warned on the Road Trippin’ Podcast, “People are sleeping on Anthony Marshon Davis Jr. He’s going to be on a mission. Folks better watch out for AD.”

The Dallas Mavericks have Anthony Davis and Cooper Flagg as formidable power players. The departure of Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers has left a significant impact, and some critics are considering this one of the riskiest moves in modern sports. The Mavericks, on the other hand, gained a top-10 player in Anthony Davis and draft capital which allowed them to acquire Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick. Dallas has a rare combination of young potential and star power.

Davis, a 10-time All-Star, is starting his first full season in Dallas after a challenging first year due to a foot injury. Perkins believes this will fuel a ‘revenge tour’ which could reframe Davis’ career trajectory.

With Kyrie Irving set to miss the early part of the season, the Dallas team will depend heavily on Davis for scoring, defense, and leadership. The Mavericks will kick-off their season on October 22 against Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs and will feature in major games like the Christmas Day fixture.

Perkins has been clear about his views: the NBA has forgotten how dominant Davis can be. “Anthony Davis and Karl Anthony Towns are the two players who have the most to prove this season,” Perkins noted. If Davis manages to prove himself again as one of the league’s top big men, he could carry Dallas deep into the playoffs.

Just a few years ago, Davis was being mentioned in MVP debates alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic. While injuries and inconsistency have hampered that narrative, Perkins believes this season could reignite that conversation.

With a strong supporting cast and the motivation to prove doubters wrong, Davis is in a great position to have a standout season. If the Mavericks can keep Davis healthy and he forms good chemistry with Flagg, they could surprise everyone in the league. Despite not starting as contenders, the return of Irving and a motivated Davis could quickly shift the balance of power in the West. As a team that has faced recent controversies, the Mavericks surely deserve something good to celebrate with their loyal fanbase.