Opinion: Should the New Orleans Pelicans want Anthony Davis back?

If there was a possibility that David Griffin could get Anthony Davis to give the New Orleans Pelicans a second chance, should we even be open to the possibility?

During his press conference Wednesday, new Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin stated that he would try to convince Anthony Davis to stay with the New Orleans Pelicans. Whether he’s genuine in his claims or if it’s a ploy for leverage in trade talk this summer have yet to be seen, but should New Orleans even try to keep The Brow?

There are pros and cons to every decision, and this situation is no different.

Pros

Fan Favorite Returns

Some may disagree here, but I believe Anthony Davis is still loved by many Pelicans fans. Many of us have watched him grow from a raw, defensive rookie to the perennial all-star and top 5 talent he is today.

You grow so attached to a player who has been with your favorite team for so long that you hate them for for wanting to make a move that they believe is better for their career. We all saw what happened with LeBron James and “The Decision” years ago, but on the other hand, we saw how he was welcomed back to Cleveland after four years with the Heat.

Team Success

Let’s state facts: The Pelicans are better when Anthony Davis is playing significant minutes. What team wouldn’t benefit from the best big in basketball being on their roster?

Many were expecting New Orleans to build on last year’s playoff run before AD requested the trade. If he were to stay and fully commit to the team, there’s no reason to believe the Pelicans can’t get further than the second round with some tweaks and improvements to the roster.

Cons

Team Chemistry

After his initial trade request, Anthony Davis stated that he’s open to playing for any team in the NBA except for the Pelicans. One could imagine that hearing or seeing words like that from someone you have gone to war with night in and night out could leave a sour taste in your mouth. Would the other players welcome him back with open arms, or would there be tension in the locker room?

Team Progression

Through Davis’ seven years in New Orleans, the Pelicans have only made it to the playoffs twice, getting out of the first round once. Will a team built around a big man work in today’s NBA?

Although AD isn’t your typical big man and also hasn’t had the ideal team around him to make a strong push, history isn’t on the Pels’ side here. The last team built around a big to make it to the Finals was Dwight Howard’s Magic in 2009, and that ended in a sweep. This isn’t your granddad’s NBA anymore. Bigs alone don’t win you championships, dominant wings and guards do.

David Griffin has some big decisions to make this offseason and New Orleans Pelicans fans can’t wait to see how this one turns out. We’ll keep you posted on every Anthony Davis development along the way. There are pros and cons to whatever happens, so it will be critical for the Pelicans to take the right course of action here for the long-term health of the franchise.