Mavericks’ Anthony Davis Faces Uncertain Future After Emergency Retina Surgery—Will He Make Season Opener?

Last season, Anthony Davis wasn’t just battling the usual wear and tear that comes with NBA life — he was fighting through something far tougher than most realized. Beyond the abdominal injury that sidelined him for chunks of the year, Davis quietly endured multiple hits to the face and underwent a delicate procedure to repair a detached retina. It’s the kind of thing that might sound alarming, but as anyone who knows the sport will tell you, retinal injuries—whether tears, detachments, or bruising—are surprisingly manageable with today’s medical advances. Still, putting up elite numbers—24.7 points and 11.6 boards per game—while carrying that kind of secret burden? That’s grit. And now, fueled by health, Davis is gearing up to dominate alongside top rookie Cooper Flagg and rising star Derrick Lively II, forming one of the most formidable front lines in the league. Can’t wait to see how that chemistry unfolds this season. LEARN MORE

Davis underwent a procedure to “repair a detached retina that he suffered during the season,” Shams Charania of ESPN reports. He adds that “Davis played through multiple hits to the face” and should be ready to go at the start of next season. While the report uses the term “retinal detachment,” this phrase can also often refer to a retinal tear (which can lead to detachment and is a condition treatable by laser surgery) or even retinal bruising. Regardless of the actual injury, this is something considered highly treatable.Multiple NBA players have suffered retina injuries, including Dirk Nowitzki who bruised his right retina in 2006. Players to endure retina tears or detached retinas include Matt Barnes, DJ Mbenga, &, most famously, Amar’e Stoudemire. Fortunately surgery has a high success rate.

Davis averaged 24.7 points and 11.6 rebounds a game while playing elite defense in the 51 games he did play. This season, a healthy Davis joins No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg as well as Derrick Lively II in what should be one of the best front lines in the NBA.