As upsetting as it may be, the Luka Dončić era has come to an end in Dallas. Now the Dallas Mavericks have to look to Anthony Davis as their savior after a rather unceremonious trade left them without their 25-year-old franchise cornerstone.
Speaking to the Dallas media for the first time since the deal, Davis was honest about the situation.
Anthony Davis Understands Expectations Surrounding the Dallas Mavericks
After going to the NBA Finals last season, the Dallas Mavericks took a minor step back this year, with their superstar Dončić out with a calf injury. However, before he could return, the league-altering trade happened.
Now, it’s up to Davis and the likes of Kyrie Irving to steer the ship. But, even before they take the court, fan sentiment and morale are at an all-time low in his new city. however, the 2020 NBA champion understands the reaction from the fans given the nature of the deal.
“I understand it. Obviously, it’s a business and I get who Luka was to this franchise, to this city. I’m never gonna downplay that. Just how I know what I meant to the city of L.A.”
While Dončić built the résumé of an all-time great in his first seven years with the Mavs, Davis was no slouch either.
Anthony Davis: “I’m not surprised by the fans reaction and city’s reaction but it’s my job to come in and play basketball and do what I’m supposed to do, give the fans hope and reassurance on why Nico brought me here… I’m gonna to get the city, give life back.” pic.twitter.com/lukodokcvW
— Landon Thomas (@sixfivelando) February 7, 2025
An All-Star and All-NBA selection in each of his healthy seasons, he gave the city its 17th Championship and first since 2010. In the meantime, he was a perennial MVP-caliber star. Yet, the connection built between the fanbase and the player wasn’t something he was overlooking.
“I’m not surprised by the fans’ reaction and city’s reaction, but it’s my job to come in and play basketball and do what I’m supposed to do, give the fans hope and reassurance on why Nico [Harrison, Mavericks general manager,] brought me here.”
The reaction he spoke about is something that the league itself is worried about. During Dallas’ game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden, sideline reporter Allie LaForce even ran a memo warning Mavs fans about the consequences of their potential actions.
“One big concern, though, is just the safety of the [Mavericks] players and the front office going back to Dallas. We hope fans make the wise decision and remember that this is a game and that lives are far more important.”
The 10-time All-Star knew about the memo and mentioned that he wasn’t sure how fans would treat them when he made his Mavericks debut against the Houston Rockets.
“I don’t know how tomorrow’s [Feb. 8] gonna be, as far as their reaction. But I can’t control that. What I can control is just going out there and winning basketball games and helping the team however I can.”
He acknowledged that the move was shocking for everyone but that he also knew his responsibilities. “Obviously it was a tough transition; it was a shock to all. But it’s my job to come in and play basketball and win basketball games.”
On the season, he’s averaging 25.7 points and 11.9 rebounds while adding 2.1 blocks on the defensive side, all three being top-10 marks in the league, and shooting close to 53% from the field.
For any Dallas fans on the fence about their newest superstar, Davis had one final punchline to end his soliloquy: “I’m gonna give the city, give ’em life back.”
