Anthony Davis, Max Christie, Caleb Martin introduced by Dallas Mavericks
Mavericks introduce Anthony Davis
The Dallas Mavericks introduced Anthony Davis, Max Christie and Caleb Martin on Friday.
DALLAS (KTTV) - Nearly a week after one of the most shocking trades in NBA history, the Dallas Mavericks introduced Anthony Davis, Max Christie and Caleb Martin on Friday.
The Mavericks front office said the franchise is acting under a "win now" mentality with multiple All-Stars on the team in Davis, Klay Thompson, and Kyrie Irving.
What left some fans confused and outraged was the Mavs’ willingness to trade international superstar, Luka Doncic, who was instrumental in leading the team to the NBA Finals last season. While the Boston Celtics won the 2024 Finals in five games, fans looked forward to seeing what Dallas would accomplish with Doncic, the 25-year-old star, at the helm.
Doncic is just one of three players in league history to win five All-NBA First Team selections before his 26th birthday. The two other players to reach the impressive milestone are Kevin Durant and Tim Duncan.
Anthony Davis discusses Lakers trade
Anthony Davis addressed the media after a stunning trade that sent him to Dallas.
RELATED COVERAGE:
- NBA world, Lakers fans react to shocking Anthony Davis-Luka Doncic trade
- Luka Doncic introduced by Lakers: 'I wish Kobe and Gigi were here to see this moment'
While Davis has been out after suffering an abdominal strain late last month, he’s having one of his best seasons, averaging 25.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game.
Dallas acquired Martin in a separate trade with Philadelphia in exchange for Quentin Grimes and a 2030 second-round pick.
The new-look Mavericks certainly raised some eyebrows after beating the Celtics 127-120 Thursday night.
Christie continues his breakout season and recorded 15 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists in the big win.
Davis, Christie and Martin appeared to be in great spirits and embracing their new chapter in a new city.
"I think I’m supposed to be here," Martin said. "I’m excited to play."
Read more about some highlights from Friday afternoon's introductory press conference below.
Anthony Davis: ‘The vibes are high’
"The vibes are high, the energy is great. I like our team. I like the way the guys are playing," Davis said. "I’m excited to play, I’m excited to add value to this team."
He also confirmed he’ll make his debut Saturday against the Houston Rockets in the Texas showdown.
AD responds to fans' heartbreak over the Luka trade
When asked about the strong reactions Mavericks fans had after Doncic was traded, Anthony Davis said he hopes to win fans over.
"I understand it. Obviously, it’s a business and I get who Luka was to this franchise, to this city. I’m never going to downplay that, just how I know what I meant to the city of LA. I’m not surprised by the fans’ reaction and the city’s reaction, but it’s my job to come in and play basketball and do what I’m supposed to do and give the fans hope and reassurance why Nico [Harrison] brought me here."
Max Christie: ‘It’s been fun’
Max Christie, 21, said he enjoys Dallas’ fast-paced style of play.
"It’s been fun," Christie said. "The transition is fast…just to trying to come in and fit in seamlessly and play with a lot of effort and intensity. The style of play that we have is very free-flowing and easy to integrate into."
AD addresses his injury history
"I think honestly my injuries have been freakish injuries. It’s nothing that has been structural or something that I can control. I put a lot into my body and making sure I’m available on the floor but most times it’s stuff that I really can’t control," Davis said.
"I put a lot of work in with my training staff to make sure I’m available for my team."
Lessons learned from playing with LeBron James
"Just seeing how he approaches the game, seeing how he approaches each practice, each game, how he takes care of his body. Same for AD being someone of his caliber as well. Just seeing how they approach the game both from the physical and mental side is something I’ve been very observant what. I’ve been able to take bits and pieces and add it to my repertoire as well," Christie said.
"Just from a leadership standpoint, how he’s able to lead a team. He’s very vocal. I think over my first several years, I always led by example, but then the past five and half years being around him, I realized players don’t always want to hear the coach’s voice, and you probably have a better connection with your teammates…so just trying to be more vocal," Davis added.
This story was reported by Los Angeles.