Mavs' Anthony Davis Reportedly Returns to 5-on-5 Practice After Surgery on Eye Injury

Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis appeared in a 5-on-5 practice "this week" as he recovers from eye surgery, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.

In July, Davis underwent a procedure to repair a detached retina that he suffered during the 2024-25 season.

His latest 5-on-5 session is "believed to be" his first practice at the speed of a typical game since the surgery, per Stein.

Davis appears to be on track in his recovery, as ESPN's Shams Charania reported that he was expected to be ready for training camp after the surgery.

The latest update is especially encouraging, as Stein previously reported that the forward wasn't fully back on the court on Sept. 11.

Davis is a key piece of Dallas' plans for the 2025-26 season due to a variety of reasons, with his two-way impact on the court being a primary one. The 10-time All-Star appeared in just nine games with the Mavericks after he was acquired by the team in a blockbuster trade involving the Los Angeles Lakers.

Davis averaged 20.0 points, 10.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 2.2 blocks per game on 46.1/23.3/68.8 shooting splits in Dallas.

He'll likely take on an even larger role next season with Kyrie Irving expected to be sidelined until at least Jan. 2026 while he navigates through rehab for a torn ACL.

Davis will also look to build chemistry in the Mavericks' frontcourt with Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft. Dallas is counting on each player to make an impact on both ends of the floor, providing a boost to a squad that only ranked No. 20 in defensive rating last season (via NBA.com).

The Mavericks will open training camp on Sept. 29.