Disgruntled NBA All-Star Anthony Davis, who demanded a trade earlier in the season but didn’t get it, will have his playing time cut by the New Orleans Pelicans, interim general manager Danny Ferry said Thursday.
“You will see a reduction in Anthony’s minutes,” Ferry said as the Pelicans get set to visit the Indiana Pacers on Friday. It will be the first game back from the All-Star break for both teams.
Davis has been averaging 36 minutes an game this season, however is relied upon to see that drop to 20-25 minutes in the second 50% of the battle.
Ferry, who replaced fired executive Dell Demps during the mid-season break, said the Pelicans want to give more playing time to their younger players in the second half of the season.
Davis wounded his shoulder and needed to leave the Pelicans’ last game before the break. Three days later he played just five minutes in the All-Star game.
Davis is relied upon to dress against the Pacers for the Pelicans, who are 26-33 on the season and six games out of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
“My expectations, and the expectations of our fans, are that this team will compete at a high level for the remainder of the season,” said owner Gayle Benson.
“While we still have many more critical decisions to make when this season comes to an end, I am focused on making sure we are properly positioned to succeed and that we are headed in the right direction.”
Davis did not play when the Pelicans were beaten 109-107 at home by the Pacers on February 4.