Anthony Davis Blasts Pelicans for Lack of Tribute

Former star says no farewell from team was 'final straw' in leaving New Orleans

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:54pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting featuring overlapping planes of navy blue, gold, and crimson red, conceptually representing the complicated emotions and perspectives surrounding Anthony Davis' departure from the New Orleans Pelicans.A fractured, cubist depiction of Anthony Davis' complex relationship with the Pelicans organization he once led.New Orleans Today

In a revealing interview, NBA star Anthony Davis criticized the New Orleans Pelicans organization for failing to give him a tribute video or farewell when he departed the team, calling it the 'final straw' that led to his exit from the franchise.

Why it matters

Davis was the face of the Pelicans for nearly a decade, making multiple All-Star teams and leading the team to the playoffs. His departure was contentious, and his comments shed light on the strained relationship between the star player and the organization that drafted him.

The details

Davis said the Pelicans offered him a 'crazy deal' to stay, but he wanted to prioritize winning over money. However, he felt the team and fans turned on him for wanting to leave, with the Pelicans' failure to honor him with a tribute video being the 'final straw' that pushed him out the door.

  • Davis played for the Pelicans from 2012 to 2019.

The players

Anthony Davis

A 9-time NBA All-Star who played for the New Orleans Pelicans from 2012 to 2019 before requesting a trade.

Draymond Green

An NBA veteran and 4-time champion who interviewed Davis about his departure from the Pelicans.

New Orleans Pelicans

The NBA franchise in New Orleans that drafted and employed Anthony Davis for the first 7 years of his career.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Anthony Davis: New Orleans offered me a crazy deal at the time. Like it's not even about the money. Like I genuinely want to win. And so now because I want to win, I'm considered a villain to this team and to this fan base. And to this day, I go back and they still boo me, right?”

— Anthony Davis, NBA Player

“Draymond Green: And that's why they still losing. You don't boo the best player in your franchise history. You appreciate him.”

— Draymond Green, NBA Player

“Anthony Davis: I'mma tell you what got me though. And you say that best player in franchise history like points, rebounds, blocks, like all this. You know what's crazy? When I went back, I did not get a tribute. And that was the final straw.”

— Anthony Davis, NBA Player

“Draymond Green: Get the f*ck out of here!!!”

— Draymond Green, NBA Player

“Anthony Davis: Never got a tribute. I didn't get a tribute.”

— Anthony Davis, NBA Player

The takeaway

Davis' comments highlight the importance of franchises honoring their star players, even when relationships end on contentious terms. The Pelicans' failure to give Davis a proper farewell tribute contributed to the deterioration of their relationship and his eventual departure, a misstep that still resonates with the player and the team's fanbase.