After a tumultuous season ended for the Dallas Mavericks, star big man Anthony Davis reflected on the whirlwind he experienced once he was traded to Dallas midseason in the controversial trade which sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Mavs general manager Nico Harrison has faced the brunt of the backlash from Dallas fans who still can't fathom Doncic's departure. Davis, the star Dallas received in return for Doncic, was caught up in the fallout of the trade even as the Mavs' fan base only rooted for their new standout big man.
Davis missed a month and a half with an adductor strain following his dominant debut as a Maverick. He returned toward the end of the regular season, playing in eight of Dallas' final 11 games, as they grabbed the last spot in the Western Conference play-in tournament. The Mavs fell just short of the West's final playoff spot, losing to the Memphis Grizzlies in the last play-in game.
After Dallas' season ended at the hands of the Grizzlies, Davis opened up about the wild ride he's had thus far in Dallas. And he noted his understanding in the disappointment for Mavs fans with Doncic's exit.
“I’m just appreciative,” Davis said after Dallas' final game via The Dallas Morning News. “Obviously, it’s a lot of emotions. I know it’s not directed towards me. The city loved the guy. Get rid of a guy. A new guy comes in, yet they want to embrace you and they’re thankful for you, it still stings. I’m just thankful and appreciative of the city of Dallas and the fans for welcoming me and Max [Christie] to the new situation.”
Davis said he felt welcomed by the fan base and his new teammates and he tried to do everything in his power to get back on the floor toward the end of the season to try to get to the playoffs.
You can watch Davis's full breakdown of the wild situation he was thrown into here:
Anthony Davis sums up his experience with the Dallas Mavericks to finish the season after the trade:
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) April 20, 2025
"I'm just very appreciative that I get to play the game of basketball. Appreciative to Dallas, and the fan base, and my teammates have accepted me and welcomed me with open arms,… pic.twitter.com/nj3qqj4in9
Even aside from Davis, the Mavs faced a slew of injuries this season, including a season-ending ACL injury to star point guard Kyrie Irving.
With the season officially over, it's time for the Mavs to reset, get healthy and look ahead. Even if the fan base has lost trust in the team's front office and ownership, they can count on Davis to give his all and do right by them.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Anthony Davis Sends Honest Message to Mavs Fans After Disappointing End to Season.
