A recent interview New Orleans Pelicans big man Anthony Davis conducted with ESPN had him lamenting the loss of fellow All-Star DeMarcus Cousins for the season. In that interview, Davis talked about the Finals potential in his team this season and mentioned how he had talked with former NBA stars (namely Kevin Garnett) who regretted not asking for a trade to a more competitive franchise sooner in his career.
“It makes you think, ’cause you’re wondering if you’re following in that same path,” Davis told ESPN. “But then again, you’re like, ‘This year could be the year.’
“So, just got to take it year by year and just see, and see where the team is going, what direction they want to go to and just see where their head is.”
Those quotes got Pelicans fans concerned that Davis — who is under contract until 2021 — may be looking to get out of town soon. After yesterday’s practice, Davis explained his comments to ESPN further while reiterating his desire to stay in New Orleans until his contract is through.
William Guillory of The Times-Picayune has more from Davis, who says he is taking it “year by year” when it comes to his future with the Pelicans:
“Of course, I feel like we’ve had a strong year this year before (Cousins) got hurt,” Cousins said. “I feel like we had a lot that we could’ve accomplished. I’m here until 2021 and then we’ll make a decision from there. I don’t plan on leaving in the next couple of years or anything like that.
“I’ve always said I wanted to be here, and that’s still true. When my contract is up, I’ll think about what I want to do. But right now, I want to play for New Orleans.”
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His comments to ESPN also made it clear that Davis is ready to play for a winning organization and he expects the New Orleans front office to do what it takes to make that happen.
“I don’t go into any year saying that, ‘OK, I don’t want to be here,’ or nothing like that,” he said. “Of course, at some point you want to win. I feel like we are trying to get the right pieces around here. I think our front office is doing a better job. They’re doing the best job they can do, as far as getting players in here.
“I feel like we’re moving in the right direction. But you do have to take it year by year and see where it goes.”
Davis also noted how in each season he’s been with the Pelicans, injuries have wreaked havoc with the team’s roster, depth chart and playoff potential. While Davis has only been to the playoffs once in his career (getting swept by the Golden State Warriors in the first round of 2015), he remains driven to get New Orleans into the playoffs this season.
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