Author: Scott Kushner / Source: The Advocate
It’s not done yet.
Yes, the NBA’s trade deadline came and went Thursday afternoon, and Anthony Davis is still on the New Orleans Pelicans’ roster, much to the chagrin of Davis, Davis’ agency, LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers and millions of Lakers fans.
But, despite all of the pressure to get a deal done, and the myriad of reports, here we are.
Davis is still under contract with the Pelicans. The Pelicans still have basketball games to play.
Davis, a healthy, 25-year old basketball player, wants to play in them. His teammate, Jrue Holiday said he wants Davis to play in them, too.
And, according to the team’s press release on Wednesday night, Davis is going to play.
If only it were that simple.
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Sources close to the situation say the NBA office pressured the Pelicans to keep Davis in the lineup, and the team’s press release all but spells out their obligation to the league. It isn’t a token gesture.
Sources confirmed Davis is expected to play in the 25-minute range, not simply get into uniform, check onto the floor and check out. He is a part of the team, helping the Pelicans win games they don’t really care to win, with the playoffs out of realistic reach.
“Moreover, the Pelicans want to preserve the integrity of the game and align our organization with NBA policies,” Thursday’s statement from general manager Dell Demps read. “We believe Anthony playing upholds the values that are in the best interest of the NBA and its fans.
We look forward to seeing Anthony in a Pelicans uniform again soon.”Do they really?
Who in New Orleans does this possibly benefit?
Considering Davis was a healthy scratch in Wednesday’s win in Chicago, as a precaution before the trade deadline, it’s fair to assume the Pelicans understand the risk. It was only 13 months ago that the instantaneous snap of an Achilles tendon sent DeMarcus Cousins from the verge of a maximum contract to playing for $5.3 million.
What if the same fate strikes Davis, and his trade value plummets, but his request to leave still stands? The franchise has revolved around Davis for years and desperately needs a haul of assets in…
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