Polarizing NBA center drops Anthony Davis bombshell Mavericks fans were craving

Last season, Anthony Davis played a pivotal role in helping the Dallas Mavericks make the Play-In Tournament. His play down the stretch helped Dallas secure the final play-in spot. Davis averaged a double-double with 24.3 points per game and 12 rebounds over the final four games of the regular season. He was also a major contributor in Dallas' second play-in game against the Memphis Grizzlies (which they ultimately lost), as he scored 40 points and pulled down nine rebounds.

So, it's obvious Davis was a major contributor despite the constant disrespect that NBA fans throw his way. The problem was that Davis struggled to stay on the court. He played in nine games for Dallas during the regular season (along with two play-in games) after dealing with an adductor injury (which he suffered in his Mavs debut) that forced him to miss 18 games. Injuries were a recurring theme that fans struggled to cope with, as they never knew when Davis would suit up.

However, there is optimism and belief that things will be different this upcoming season. Former NBA Champion Kendrick Perkins recently appeared on Road Trippin' to discuss a variety of NBA Topics, from the NBA's Christmas Day schedule to Malik Beasley's gambling problems. Yet, one of the topics addressed included Anthony Davis and his high ceiling for next season.

Anthony Davis has the most to prove next season

Perkins and former NBA player Channing Frye spoke on the NBA's Christmas schedule. Frye discussed the Mavericks-Golden State Warriors matchup. He implied that it was one of the least exciting matches. Perkins took offense to the comment, stating that people should stop doubting Anthony Davis. He believes the Mavs' All-Star will be on a revenge tour this season.

"People are sleeping on Anthony Marshon Davis Jr. It's between Anthony Davis and Karl-Anthony Towns for the two players that have the most to prove this season," Perkins said.

Perkins' comments speak volumes to Davis' short time with the Mavs.

As mentioned, Davis balled out during his final month with the team. His performance helped Dallas win their first play-in game against the Sacramento Kings. Davis scored 27 points and shot 50 percent from the 3-point line in that game. He also recorded nine rebounds and had three blocks. His performance was the exact stat line Nico Harrison traded for him. He was a two-way monster who worked hard on both ends of the court, and ultimately helped lead the Mavs to a big win.

Although if Davis is going to uphold Perkins' statement, it must start with two ideals: health and production. For starters, Davis has missed 232 games for his career. He has suffered various injuries and been labeled as unpredictable and injury-prone. Davis will need to be on the court frequently to break the stigma. Plus, a healthy Davis will help ease the fans' pain and desire for Luka Doncic to return. Davis' injuries have fans regretting the infamous trade, and even though fans will always want Doncic to return, Davis can flip the script this season and show the world that he is one of the most dominant bigs in the league.

Yet, besides injuries, Davis' production will also be important. Last season, he averaged 24.7 points per game and 10.1 rebounds. His numbers with Dallas were nothing out of the ordinary, as Davis has put up near double-digit numbers since his sophomore season. He'll need to continue performing at a high level if he hopes to prove the infamous trade was worth it. Not to mention, Dallas will need him to play well, as Kyrie Irving will be out for more than half the season.

So, maybe Perkins is right. The league "better watch out for AD." Davis is on a mission to prove doubters wrong and silence critics about the trade. His numbers near the end of last season prove he can back up Perkins' statement, and he'll be under heavy pressure to carry Dallas until Irving returns.

Now all that's left is for Davis to start the season on a high. As mentioned, he'll need to stay on the court long enough to prove doubters like Frye wrong. If Davis can pick up where he left off last season, then it'll make the Doncic trade less painful and prove that Mavs fans have something to be excited about, even though No. 77 is wearing purple and gold now.