The Washington Wizards blockbuster swing for future Hall of Famer ahead of the NBA trade deadline took everyone by surprise, including Davis himself.
For a rebuilding team to make a bold swing out of the blue, it became clear that there was a method behind the madness for the Wizards' front office.
Still, the expectation to have a 33-year-old veteran buy-in to what they're building without any clear postseason hopes in mind, only made the move more risky than anyone realized.
The big man could have simply stated he was unwilling to see things through in D.C. and do everything in how power to force his way out of the DMV before even playing a game.
Instead, the former top pick's honest thoughts on his new team prove that Washington's bold swing may work out in their favor after all.
Anthony Davis impressed with Wizards core, excited about fresh start
On a recent episode of The Draymond Green Show, AD spoke up about his instant reaction to landing in Washington and how his initial thoughts have since changed after taking a deeper look at what's being built in the nation's capital.
“I was like, ‘Damn, Washington? " Davis said. "But when you get here, you look at the team, it’s like, ‘Not bad.’ I like the young guys on the team. These motherfu—s can play. They play hard. They’re not afraid of the moment.”
Davis didn't just acknowledge the young talent on the roster, but he shouted out his conversations with the team's general manager, Will Dawkins, and ownership that have left him encouraged looking ahead to next season.
AD is eager to see through the Wizards' vision
Davis made it clear that it'll be a tall task for the Wizards to return to championship contention in one season, citing it's not going to happen overnight.
Still, the superstar forward made it clear that with the right steps, Washington has everything needed to return to contention in the Eastern Conference sooner rather than later.
Obviously, their rise in the East hinges on the pairing of Davis and Trae Young, whom the team acquired shortly before dealing for the big man.
Not to mention, the development of young players like Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, Tre Johnson, and Will Riley will play a key role in how quickly the team can emerge in the East.
Regardless, it's clear that the team is trending in the right direction, and because of that, Davis is looking at this like a golden opportunity rather than a misstep in his career.