Anthony Davis is debuting against Houston

Although it is rare for a player of Anthony Davis’ Ilk to be traded, last weekend was the second time in his career that he has been traded.

But this time the trade was a shock to the system. And not just to Davis’ system.

After spending the first seven seasons (2012-’19) of his NBA career with New Orleans Pelicans, Davis asked for a trade after telling the pelicans that he would not sign a contract extension during the 2019 season. So the pelicans sent Davis to Los Angeles Lakers for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart and a trio of first round draft.

When Lakers traded Davis, Max Christie and a first round draft of Dallas Maverick’s last weekend for Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, Davis was blinded. And that means Davis had to-in the smallest while the season is going on-off Los Angeles and his $ 31 million 20,000 plus square foot mansion in LA, which has eight bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, a 120-foot swimming pool and a tennis court sitting on 3.5 hectares.

It is a step to Dallas that comes with lots of feelings for Davis, considering that the 10-time all-star has a wife and three children.

“For me, I’ve been shopping twice now, but the first time I asked for a trade, so I was already mentally prepared for it, and it was in the summer,” Davis said. “Now this (trade) is slightly different.

“I was shocked and mentally just everywhere. I actually didn’t believe it first. I’m pretty sure no one did. But when I was heading to the plane to Dallas (last Sunday), it was when it kind of hit me, this really happens. “

Oh, the trade happened. And it was also a central moment of Christie’s life that is in her third NBA season.

“Obviously, the transition is fast, but we got a good victory in Boston (Thursday) evening,” Christie said. “And for me, I just try to come in and take care of seamlessly and play with a great effort and intensity.

“The style of play we have is very free -flowing and very easy to integrate. So I look forward to continuing to get my feet wet with the system and need the concept and win some more games. “

Davis, who will play his first game for Mavs on Saturday, when they host the Houston Rockets, said he plans to “give life back” to the heart -bred Mavs’ fans. He also said he was “still kind of like in a fog” earlier this week when he took his physical.

“But when I was able to get around the team for the first time in (Philadelphia), I felt good,” Davis said. “I think the basketball match gives me and probably everyone else the opportunity to be in a safe place and kind of get away from everything.”

Davis was an average of 25.7 points, 11.9 rebounds and 2.1 blocks this season for Lakers while shooting 52.8 percent off the field. Now all the synergy he developed with Lakers will be moved to Mavs.

“I know at any time I go through something I can go to the gym or something with basketball, and it just brings me back to the center and brings me back to peace,” Davis said. “I know tomorrow, when I have to be on the floor, when this ball is tipped for the opening tip, I’m doing well.

“I think mentally now is just around the guys and has a chance to be on the field for a few days and hang out with the guys who laugh and joke, I’m in a good place.”

Here are some other nuggets around Saturday’s match between Mavs and Rockets.

*For Mavs, this is the opener for a five-game home game. Home -tap also involves Monday’s match against Sacramento, Wednesday’s competition against Golden State and Thursday’s match against Miami, before the stomachs break for the All-Star break. The home-tier continues after the All-Star break as they entertain New Orleans on February 21st.

*This is the final of a four-game road trip for Rockets that is 0-3 on this trip. Houston lost in New York Knicks (124-118) Monday lost in Brooklyn (99-97) Tuesday and lost in Minnesota (127-114) on Thursday.

*The MAVs will be without Dereck Lively II (right ankle stress fracture), Dwight Powell (right hip load) and Caleb Martin (strained right hip) on Saturday.

*Houston does not have Fred Vanvleet (Right ankle Disclosure), Jabari Smith Jr. (broken left hand) and cody zeller (personal) for Saturday’s game.

*Mavs tip Anthony Davis has shot at least 50 percent from the field in 11 of his 13 NBA seasons. The only time he did not shoot 50 percent from the floor was in the 2015-’16 season when he converted 49.3 percent of his shots and during the 2020-21 season when he shot 49.1 percent off the field.

*Rockets rolled with 10 wins in 12 games from 5-28 January. But they come into Dallas running on a five-match’s losing row. After Saturday, Rockets will play three home matches before the All-Star-break-Sunday against Toronto, Wednesday against Phoenix and Thursday against Golden State.

*The MAVs come from Thursday’s impressive 127-120 victory in Boston as they led the defending NBA champion Celtics with 27 points in the second half. Mavs scored 67 points in the first half against Boston. These are the second highest points that Celtics allowed in the first half this season. Mavs shot 56 percent from the field against Celtics, which is the highest field target percentage they have allowed in a game this season.

*In the win over Celtics, Mavs three players had score at least 15 points in the same game for the first time this season. It includes Klay Thompson (25), Spencer Dinwiddie (22), Naji Marshall (20), Kyrie Irving (19), Dante Exum (15) and Max Christie (15).

Houston Rockets (32-19) in Dallas Mavericks (27-25)

When: 14.00, Saturday

Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas

TV: KFAA-29, Mavstv Stream

Radio: Kegl 97.1 FM The Eagle, 99.1 FM Zona MX (Spanish)

X: @Dwainprice