Anthony Davis became the central figure in a trade that is considered one of the worst in NBA history. This outcome primarily falls on the shoulders of decision-makers, not Anthony Davis. Ironically, his immense talent might have been the very reason a team was persuaded to trade away a player like Luka Dončić. However, reality often diverges from expectations, and legacies are complex.
Unfortunately, this trade might overshadow Davis`s remarkable NBA career. Decades from now, many fans might primarily remember him as the player who was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Luka Dončić. For Mavericks fans, he may be seen as the player they got instead of the one they truly desired. Davis`s impressive 40-point performance in a loss against the Memphis Grizzlies might become a mere footnote, with the focus instead on the disappointing season that followed his acquisition by the Mavericks.
This is an unfair narrative for an exceptionally gifted player, but it reflects his career trajectory. Throughout his NBA journey, Davis has consistently been denied the recognition and favorable circumstances he warrants. He stands as one of the premier players of his generation, yet he might also be among the most undervalued players in NBA history.
Upon being drafted first overall in 2012, Davis was immediately tasked with filling the shoes of Chris Paul, then considered the greatest player in New Orleans Hornets history. Enthusiastic about his potential, the team initiated a hasty rebuild around him. This ultimately undermined his chances of competing for championships with the team that drafted him.
Between his draft year and trade year, the Pelicans never retained a single first-round draft pick for a full season. They frequently traded draft picks for seasoned players, often before even utilizing the picks. Players they did draft, like Buddy Hield, were traded during their rookie season. They misspent salary cap space on players such as Tyreke Evans, Solomon Hill, and E`Twaun Moore, among others. Furthermore, former NBA commissioner David Stern publicly criticized Dell Demps, the person responsible for constructing these teams around Davis, labeling him `a lousy general manager.` Davis experienced limited success in New Orleans and, like many stars, bore some of the responsibility.
In his first year after leaving New Orleans, Davis seemed poised to silence critics by winning a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. However, some dismissed it as a `bubble title.` He was a strong contender for Defensive Player of the Year, likely missing out due to the season`s disruption caused by the pandemic, which also affected eventual winner Giannis Antetokounmpo. Davis continues to advocate for the award he arguably deserved but was denied due to global events. Additionally, the absence of a celebratory parade for the 2020 title means Davis is a rare star who hasn`t celebrated a championship with fans, a situation that persisted into the following season with largely empty arenas.
After winning the title, Davis was recognized as one of the 75 greatest players in NBA history, notably ahead of Nikola Jokić, who had not yet won an MVP award. Jokić`s subsequent rise has somewhat shifted the spotlight onto Davis, especially after Jokić`s playoff victories over Davis. Discussions about Jokić`s initial exclusion from the top 75 list often suggest he should have taken Davis`s place. While both players are deserving, recognition often comes with controversy.
Davis also faces a level of scrutiny regarding his availability that many of his peers do not. Since joining the Lakers, he has played in more games than Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George. Yet, he is often labeled with nicknames questioning his durability. Despite this, he played through an injury to try and lead his new team to the playoffs. Shouldn`t he receive some credit for this effort?
This is where Davis finds himself today. Perhaps his determination to play through injury was an attempt to counter these unfair criticisms. Maybe it was a gesture to Nico Harrison, who facilitated his move to Dallas. Regardless, Davis is now on a team struggling for mediocrity, with a frustrated fanbase, and with limited prime playing years remaining. Optimistically, he might hope for Kyrie Irving`s return to contend for a championship, but more realistically, his prime years might be spent in a situation that is far from ideal, and his legacy could become linked to a trade he didn`t initiate.
His career has been marked by misfortune despite his exceptional talent. Davis has achieved more than many would in similar circumstances. He is a 10-time All-Star and could have been a Hall of Famer even if he had stayed with the Pelicans. He has always deserved more and continues to deserve better than his current situation in Dallas.
There is still time for things to change. Davis is only 32. Perhaps a change in team management might lead to a trade to a more competitive team. Maybe he will have another chance at a proper championship run and ensure his legacy is defined by more than just the trade he was involved in.
Davis is not Dončić, and very few players are. But if there is fairness in the NBA, Anthony Davis will be remembered for his own achievements and not just in relation to another player. He is one of the best of his era, and it would be fitting if he finally received the appreciation he truly deserves.
Jasper Hawthorne