Doncic appeared to be the successor to Nowitzki’s trailblazing path, but his time in Dallas is over. It’s Davis’ turn to chart his own journey in Mavericks blue, a journey he hopes leads to wins and the revitalization of a grieving fanbase.

New Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis has a strong message for Dallas fans who are distraught by the shocking blockbuster trade that brought him to town in exchange for Luka Doncic. Davis read the room, understanding the shoes he would have to fill after the Hall-of-Fame career that Doncic had in just seven seasons in Maverick blue.