Anthony Davis Cites Lack of Tribute as 'Final Straw' for Pelicans Reunion

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In a recent interview, NBA star Anthony Davis revealed that he was initially open to the idea of a potential reunion with the New Orleans Pelicans, the team that drafted him and where he played for the first seven seasons of his career. However, Davis said the 'final straw' that closed the door on that possibility was when he returned to New Orleans and did not receive a tribute video or recognition from the team during the game.

Why it matters

Davis was the face of the Pelicans franchise for nearly a decade, leading the team to the playoffs multiple times and producing numerous highlight-reel moments. The lack of a tribute video or acknowledgment from the organization upon his return was seen by Davis as a snub, permanently damaging the relationship between the star player and the team.

The details

In the interview, Davis said he had initially told Pelicans owner Gayle Benson that he was open to potentially returning to New Orleans later in his career to 'do something special.' However, when he made his first trip back to the city after being traded to the Lakers, the lack of a tribute video was the 'final straw' that closed the door on any potential reunion.

• Davis was traded from the Pelicans to the Lakers in 2019.
• Davis returned to New Orleans for the first time as a Laker in an unspecified game.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Pelicans will likely face continued questions about their relationship with Anthony Davis and whether they missed an opportunity to mend fences by honoring him during his first game back in New Orleans.