Anthony Davis protected for the moment by an alternative reality

Since its inception, Home Box Office (HBO) has always produced original concepts for television.

In the 1970’s, when the subscription service was formed, HBO showed early rounds of Wimbledon tennis live.

Now in 2019, HBO has once again produced some alternative TV.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis recently appeared on The Shop, a show produced by LeBron James and his business partner Maverick Carter.

The guests on the program ‘talk shop’ in an actual barbership. Davis spoke of his future, which is cloudy after he went public with his trade request this winter.

Davis spoke of being able to “take over his career.”

Maybe I missed something, but I thought that was what Anthony Davis did three and half years ago when he signed a five-year, $127 million extension with the Pelicans.

No one forced him to sign that lucrative contract.

LeBron James defended Davis against what he feels is unfair criticism.

“Seven years in the league, nobody’s ever said anything,” James said. “No media, no fan, not a fan, not a friend, not nobody’s ever said anything negative about AD. But you can tell, when the narrative changed, when you don’t do what they want you to do.”

Actually, the reaction in New Orleans after Davis went public with his trade request has been tempered.

Yes, Davis has heard a smattering of boos at home games, but he’s also heard many cheers.

Do you think that would be the case if Davis were seeking to depart the Lakers for some other NBA destination?

When you request a trade in mid-season, a year and a half before your contract expires, and you are one of the best players in the NBA, you are subject to scrutiny.

It is a principal that is, well, biblical.

“From everyone to whom much as been given, much will be required.”

Davis may not think so, but New Orleans appreciates his time here. Yet, he has moved on (at least mentally). So has the city and the Pelicans.

This past Saturday night in Denver, with Davis sitting out, the Pelicans came up with one of their best efforts of the season to take a 120-112 win over the Nuggets.

Since Davis made his trade request on January 28, New Orleans has won four of seven games win which Anthony Davis did not play.

After the trade request, Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry said that Anthony Davis was “a good kid.” Not many would disagree.

But, in the NBA world, when the contracts are astronomical, so are the expectations.

At his next stop, if the team Anthony Davis is on doesn’t win a championship, my guess is he will learn a thing or two about real criticism.

That potential reality is probably not a subject that will be broached on alternative TV any time soon.