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On Thursday night, Anthony Davis made his long-awaited debut for the Washington Wizards, stepping onto the court in a preseason matchup against the New York Knicks. It marked the first time Davis suited up for Washington since being traded from the Dallas Mavericks in February.
However, Davis's tenure with the Wizards has been marred by injuries. He missed all but 20 games last season due to various ailments, including a left-hand ligament injury that sidelined him for the majority of the campaign. As a result, his reputation as injury-prone persists.
During the game, Knicks color commentator and Hall of Famer Walt Frazier took a jab at Davis, referencing his well-known nickname. 'AD has pedigree, championship pedigree. But like his nickname, Street Clothes, he can't stay healthy,' Frazier remarked, as captured by SleeperKnicks on X.
Since the 2020-21 season, Davis has missed at least 25 games in six of seven seasons. The only exception was the 2023-24 campaign, when he appeared in 76 games. Otherwise, the Wizards star has consistently been sidelined for significant stretches.
Despite his injury history, Washington took a calculated risk in acquiring Davis and his massive contract, which includes a $58.4 million salary this season and a $62.8 million player option for next season. The Wizards gave up relatively little in return, sending Khris Middleton (who has since returned to the team), Jaden Hardy, and AJ Johnson to Dallas, along with the Oklahoma City Thunder's 2026 first-round pick (which became Koa Peat) and the Golden State Warriors' 2030 first-round pick that is likely to be a second-rounder.
Davis brings a wealth of experience and leadership to a young Wizards roster in need of veteran guidance. His presence is expected to help mold the team's core into a competitive unit. Nevertheless, it would surprise few if Davis continues to miss more games than he plays in the upcoming season.
Key Analysis
Frazier's blunt assessment underscores the persistent concern surrounding Davis's durability. While his talent is undeniable, his inability to stay on the court remains a significant risk for the Wizards, who are hoping his leadership and production outweigh the potential setbacks.
Originally reported by yahoo.