Adam Silver On Anthony Davis Saga: ‘Bad For The Fans There’

Anthony Davis‘ public trade request has generated plenty of discussion over the last five weeks, from the Pelicans shopping him ahead of this year’s trade deadline to his playing time moving forward. Per Andrew Lopez of NOLA.com, NBA commissioner Adam Silver discussed the situation on Friday, criticizing the publicity of Davis’ demand and explaining the difficult spot it has put the team and the league in.

“It’s not good when a player whose agent shows up in a city he doesn’t live in and announces this player doesn’t want to be here,” Silver said. “That’s bad for the fans there.”

Silver also referenced the “entertainment” value of the circumstances surrounding the news. Not only does the league receive more attention after his demand went public but interest in watching him play in the present also increases. Given the financial implications of New Orleans potentially sitting the six-time All-Star for the remainder of the season, Silver said the conflict has “two sides.”

“It puts the league in a difficult position because back to the notion of an entertainment product because I can tell you, I look at the ratings and I can say the interest in the team is still going to be greater with Anthony Davis on the floor than when he’s not on the floor,” he said. “He is a top player in this league. People are paying to see him compete.”

Davis appeared on LeBron James HBO program this week, labeling himself the “CEO of my business.” Additionally, the perennial MVP candidate has said he would be open to playing for any team next season — the final year on his contract.

While Silver praised owner Gayle Benson‘s handling of the situation, the NBA commissioner admitted there’s no specific protocol to handle the matter.

“I don’t have an easy solution to the facts at hand take with Anthony Davis, but I think there are long term solutions,” Silver said. “We’re constantly looking for a better system.”

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