Anthony Davis Out for Season After Hand Injury, Wizards’ Rebuild Rolls On
Anthony Davis’ season has come to an early end, and with it, any slim hopes the Washington Wizards had of turning this year around. The veteran big man, acquired in a deadline deal from the Dallas Mavericks, suffered a left hand injury on January 8 against the Utah Jazz. An MRI later revealed ligament damage, and while Davis avoided surgery, he won’t be returning to the court this season.
It’s a tough blow for Washington, but not an entirely unexpected one given where the franchise is right now. The Wizards are deep in rebuild mode, and Davis, at 33 years old in March, is more of a short-term asset on a long-term project. With the team needing to finish in the top eight of the 2026 NBA Draft order to retain their first-round pick, Davis’ absence might actually help them in the standings - or, more accurately, the lack thereof.
Davis, a 10-time All-Star and 2020 NBA champion, was averaging 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game this season. But he managed to suit up for just 20 games before the injury. That continues a frustrating trend for the big man, who has struggled to stay consistently healthy in recent years.
Before landing in D.C., Davis had a brief stint in Dallas. He was part of the blockbuster Luka Dončić trade last season that sent shockwaves through the league. In 29 games with the Mavericks, Davis posted 20.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game - numbers that still reflect his elite two-way skill set when he’s on the floor.
The Wizards didn’t stop with Davis at the deadline. They also brought in Trae Young from the Atlanta Hawks, though the All-Star guard is currently sidelined with a sprained right knee and bruised quadriceps. So, for now, Washington’s two biggest midseason additions are both in street clothes.
Financially, Davis is on the books for $54.1 million this season and will be eligible for a four-year, $275 million extension in August. That’s a massive number for a player whose availability has become a persistent concern, but his talent - and his résumé - are undeniable. He’s already cemented his place among the league’s greats, with career averages of 24.0 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.3 steals, and 2.3 blocks per game.
Davis, a Chicago native, has made it clear he still wants to compete for another title. Whether that can happen in Washington is a question with no easy answer. The Wizards haven’t made the playoffs since 2021, and while the front office has made aggressive moves, the roster remains a work in progress.
For now, Davis will focus on recovery. The Wizards, meanwhile, will focus on the future - one that may depend more on lottery balls than box scores in the short term.