Some exits in the NBA are never meant to be permanent; at least that’s what Anthony Davis thought before departing from the New Orleans Pelicans fold! Even though he pursued a championship elsewhere, the big man kept the door open as he quietly imagined a return later. However, that belief took a hit during his recent interview with ESPN, where he revealed that he has shut the door on a potential return to the Pelicans.
Davis, who was drafted by the Pelicans in 2012, spent seven seasons with the team before requesting a trade in 2019. He was eventually traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he won his first NBA championship in 2020. Despite his success with the Lakers, Davis has always maintained a soft spot for his former team and the city of New Orleans.
In his interview with ESPN, Davis opened up about his time with the Pelicans and how he had always envisioned a potential return to the team in the future. He stated, “I always thought about coming back and playing in front of the fans and playing in front of the city that I love. I still have love for the city, I still have love for the fans, but it’s just something that didn’t happen.”
Davis’ desire to return to the Pelicans was fueled by his love for the city and the fans, who had supported him throughout his time with the team. He had hoped to one day bring a championship to New Orleans and solidify his legacy as one of the greatest players in franchise history. However, his plans were derailed when the Pelicans denied him a tribute video during his first return to New Orleans as a member of the Lakers.
“That was the final straw for me,” Davis revealed in his interview. “I had a whole plan laid out. I wanted to do a tribute video, I wanted to do all of these things, and they were like, ‘No, we’re not doing it.’ It was hurtful because I gave so much to that team and that city.”
The Pelicans’ decision to deny Davis a tribute video was met with criticism from fans and analysts alike. Many believed that the team should have honored their former star player, who had given so much to the franchise. However, the Pelicans stood firm in their decision, and it ultimately led to Davis shutting the door on a potential return to the team.
Despite the disappointment and hurt feelings, Davis has moved on and found success with the Lakers. He has formed a dynamic duo with LeBron James and has established himself as one of the best players in the league. However, his time with the Pelicans will always hold a special place in his heart.
“I still have love for the city, I still have love for the fans, but I don’t see myself going back and playing for them,” Davis stated. “I’m focused on winning a championship with the Lakers and bringing that trophy back to LA.”
While Davis may have shut the door on a potential return to the Pelicans, he will always be remembered as one of the greatest players to don the team’s jersey. His contributions to the franchise will never be forgotten, and he will always be welcomed back with open arms by the fans.
In the end, Davis’ departure from the Pelicans may not have been the fairy tale ending he had hoped for, but it has led him to a new chapter in his career with the Lakers. And who knows, maybe one day he will have a change of heart and decide to return to New Orleans. But for now, he is focused on bringing more championships to the Lakers and solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history.