Anthony Davis Claps Back At Pelicans Fans For Hostile Reception Upon Return on Old Stomping Grounds

Anthony Davis used to be the centerpiece of an up-and-coming New Orleans Pelicans team that was threatening to make waves in the Western Conference. Davis, however, ended up requesting a trade and eventually got shipped to the LA Lakers in 2019. Needless to say, his relationship with New Orleans has never been the same.

When the Dallas Mavericks pulled up to Smoothie King Center on Monday night, Davis (who joined the team in yet another blockbuster trade in February) was greeted with raucous booing from the fans that used to cheer their hearts out for him. AD, however, had an apathetic response to the Pelicans fanbase.

According to Mavs beat writer Mike Curtis, Davis had this to say about the jeers: "I don't care. It doesn't really bother me."

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What was bothersome for the Mavericks, however, was the fact that they lost to the Pelicans 119-113 that night. Despite a masterful 35-point, 17-rebound double-double from Davis, New Orleans staved off Dallas to extend their winning streak to five games.

The Mavericks had a tough time on defense as six Pelicans ended up with double-digit scoring. Despite coming off the bench, Zion Williamson still finished with a team-high 24 points, along with nine rebounds and three assists.

Williamson, of course, became the face of the Pelicans franchise when he was drafted first overall in 2019, just days after the Davis trade was announced. It's worth noting that, six seasons into his career with the Pelicans, Williamson has taken as many playoff trips (two, to be precise) as Davis did when he was in town.

"I think we'll get him back to the 4": Mavs HC talks about Anthony Davis' position

Meanwhile, injuries in the Mavericks frontcourt have forced Davis to play outside his comfort zone this season.

On Monday, Mavs head coach Jason Kidd admitted that Davis was being asked to play the center position, which the 10-time All-Star has long stated is not his natural role.

"He's playing at the 5 right now, and at some point here down the road, I think we'll get him back to the 4," Kidd said.

One key factor in Davis' minutes at the five position has been the absence of Dereck Lively II, who has undergone season-ending surgery on his injured right foot. Adding to the complexity of the situation are the reports that the Mavericks are actually willing to listen to offers for Davis, who has yet to play a full season in Dallas.

Edited by Simoun Victor Redoblado