Anthony Davis is a realist.
No one had to tell Davis that the Dallas Mavericks’ fans are beside themselves after the Mavs acquired him, Max Christie and a first-round pick from the Los Angeles Lakers last weekend in a blockbuster trade for superstar guard Luka Dončić.
“I understand it,” Davis said. “Obviously, it’s a business and I get who Luka was to this franchise, to this city. I’m never going to downplay that. It’s just how I know what I meant to the city of LA. So, I’m not surprised by the fan’s reaction and the city’s reaction.
“I think my reaction is like everyone else’s. I was shocked. But you can’t stay in that state of emotion for a long time.”
Caleb Martin, Davis and Christie were introduced to the Dallas media at a packed news conference on Friday afternoon at the Mavs’ practice facilities. While Christie has already played two games with the Mavs and Martin is still sidelined with a hip injury, Davis will be in the starting lineup Saturday at 2 p.m. when the Mavs host the Houston Rockets at American Airlines Center.
A 10-time All-Star, four-time All-NBA first team pick, three-time NBA All-Defensive first team selection – he also led the NBA in blocks on three occasions – Davis 
is a mega-star and difference-maker on both ends of the floor.
“Obviously, I’m a defensive-minded guy and I think adding what I’m able to do defensively — whether it’s in the pick-and-roll, on the post, on the perimeter, whatever the case may be — I can add value to this team and help the guys who are already great defensively, and also help the guys who maybe struggle,” Davis said. “Bringing that defensive energy (and) that defensively mindset to this team, that’s what we are going to lay our hats on.
“You can’t control the ball going in every single night, but you can control your energy and effort on the defensive end. So, that’s what I’m going to try to do and that’s what I want to instill into the guys.”
Since the Mavs already have a dynamic one-two punch at the center position between Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford, Davis will be able to move from center to his natural power forward position. And that will enable P. J. Washington to move from power forward to his natural small forward position, and Klay Thompson to slide over from small forward to his natural shooting guard post and be in the backcourt with point guard Kyrie Irving.
“This can be a pretty good defensive team, and then offensively, (I can) just compliment what they already have,” Davis said. “They have guys who can shoot the basketball, guys with lob threats.
“Obviously, we know what Kyrie is able to do. And then just watching the guys play over the past couple of games, really learning more about the guys that I probably didn’t watch as much and learning how important they are to this team, I’m excited to get going tomorrow and seeing just what we’re able to do.”
A 6-5, 205-pound guard, Christie scored 30 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, and was 11-of-21 from the field and 4-of-7 from three-point range in games for the Mavs on Tuesday and Thursday in Philadelphia and Boston, respectively, so he’s already somewhat locked into the Mavs’ culture.
“Playing my first two games so far with the Mavs, everybody’s so put together, everybody is communicating with each other really well, everybody kind of takes care of each other,” Christie said. “And I’ve noticed that, too, for me kind of coming in as the new guy, everybody’s kind of just crowding around me and trying to make me feel comfortable, so I appreciate that a lot about the organization (and) about the team. It feels like a big family for sure.
“I think that’s important for any organization that’s trying to win at a high level, being able to have everybody on the same page, and I feel that as the new guy coming in they’ve been able to welcome me with open arms. I feel a lot more comfortable, obviously, after these first two games getting those out the way, kind of getting to know the guys, know the coaching staff better and all the staff that works here. It’s one big family and something that I really appreciate from the organization so far.”
Meanwhile, Martin, acquired from the Philadelphia 76ers – along with a second-round pick – for Quentin Grimes and a second-round selection – hasn’t played since Jan. 10 due to a sprained hip.
“I’m feeling a lot better,” Martin said. “I’m progressing really well. Still taking it day-by-day, but I’m assuming that I’ll come back fairly quickly.
“I’m just trying to stay focused on the rehab. I’m definitely seeing progress and I’m definitely headed in the right direction.”
Mavs coach Jason Kidd was an assistant coach when he, Davis and LeBron James and the rest of the Lakers captured the 2020 NBA title. That familiarity, Davis believes, will come into play as he gets accustomed to playing with the Mavs.
“They’re taking some of the same concepts that I had in LA and bringing it over,” Davis said. “We talked about it in the shootaround that I’ve been a part of and the one practice that I’ve been a part of.
“We’re not going to change too much, but we are adding things to kind of get me in the same position that I was in LA.”
And one of those positions – being crowned as NBA champions – is where the Mavs hope Davis can help carry them to.
“The vibes are high, the energy is great,” the 6-10, 268-pound Davis said. “I like our team. I like the way the guys are playing. I’m excited to play to add value to this team. It’s going to be an exciting season for us, 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 re-assurance of why (Mavs general manager) Nico (Harrison) brought me here.
“I don’t know how tomorrow’s going to be as far as the (fans’) reaction. I can’t control that. What I can control is just going out and just winning basketball games and helping the team do whatever I can. Obviously, it was a tough transition. It was a shock to us all. But like I said, my job is to come in and play basketball and win basketball games.”
X: @DwainPrice
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