Risky

Anthony Davis had a busy Saturday. While in Charlotte for the All-Star festivities, he still didn’t know if he would be well enough to participate in the main game. Off the court, though, he proved to be among the most active of the National Basketball Association’s leading lights. He was open to answering any and all queries during, and well after, media availability — on the podium and in front of cameras. And he didn’t just spew well-rehearsed sound bites; he made startling revelations that underscored the candor with which he chose to approach his time in the hot seat.

To be sure, Davis needed to come clean. He made a public declaration 10 days before the trade deadline that he wanted to be moved to a contender, and then waited in the sidelines for a resolution that didn’t come. And even as he put the Pelicans on the clock, he made himself the target of constant second-guessing for asking out while one and a half years remained on his contract. It certainly didn’t help his cause that he was being fronted by agent Rich Paul, who just so happened to be best buddies with the Lakers’ LeBron James of the Lakers, said to be his most preferred playing partner.

For the record, Davis didn’t confirm reports that he initially sought to be dealt to the Lakers or Knicks, and then to the Bucks or Clippers. What he did do, however, was deny any aversion to being part of the Celtics, who stand to offer the Pelicans the biggest bang for the buck in the offseason. “I never said Boston was not on my list,” he disclosed to a throng of scribes bombarding him with queries on his status. He appeared on NBA TV later on to note that “they are on my list,” and that, in fact, “all 29 teams” were. “I just want to win. Big market, small market, it doesn’t matter.”

Through all the public appearances, Davis made clear his intentions: He aims to keep balling for the Pelicans for the remainder of their 2018-19 campaign, and to see how things go from there. One thing’s sure: He’s bent on exploring free agency in 2020 regardless of where he ends up. Needless to say, all the uncertainty eliminates quite a few possibilities and dwindles the number of suitors in the offseason to those who believe they have a real shot at keeping him. Is he a risk? Yes. Is he worth the risk? The answers will vary depending on suitor and situation, and will ultimately determine the extent of the bidding war for him in July.