Wizards’ Will Dawkins says plan is for Anthony Davis to play this season

The Wizards are trying to strike a balance between caution and optimism with Anthony Davis.

NBA insider Chris Haynes reported last week that Davis was expected to miss the remainder of the season while rehabbing hand and groin injuries, and The Athletic later confirmed that outcome was considered likely.

On Sunday, though, Wizards general manager Will Dawkins left the door open.

“The plan for AD right now is to go back to Dallas and finish his rehab,” Dawkins said, via Bijan Todd of Monumental Sports Network. “He has a really good team down there. Our doctors met with them, and our medical staff is going to go down with him. We want to keep that going.”

Dawkins said Davis will undergo another key medical evaluation during the All-Star break, which will determine next steps.

If all goes well, Davis is expected to return to Washington afterward and rejoin the team, with the possibility of making his Wizards debut later this season.

Longer term, Dawkins believes Davis and Trae Young can form the foundation of a more competitive group next year.

“AD is a special talent,” Dawkins said. “He opens up so much offensively and has been an anchor defensively.”

Dawkins also offered a positive update on Young, who has yet to play for Washington.

Young will be reevaluated during the break and is trending in the right direction after returning to on-court work.