Anthony Davis is already six seasons remove from his days as the superstar of New Orleans Pelicans but he is back headlining discussions concerning the team. This is after the Pelicans decided to allow another player to wear the jersey number he used to wear when he was with them from 2012 to 2019.
Trey Alexander, on a two-way deal, will wear No. 23 for the Pelicans — a number last worn by Anthony Davis in 2019, per @EtienneCatalan
After six years, the number returns to the court… but should the Pelicans eventually retire it for AD?👀 pic.twitter.com/kdz8Iymkft
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 8, 2025
Alexander went undrafted in 2024 but made a good account of himself in the recent Summer League, earning himself a spot in the roster.
Davis, who left the Pelicans for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2019 to win a title, which he did, is with the Dallas Mavericks now. Before all that, he was the one who kept them relevant after the departure of their former star Chris Paul to another LA team, the Clippers.
The 2012 no. 1 pick made the All-Star six times in the seven seasons he was with the New Orleans and made it to the All-NBA First Team three times. He got his fourth one when he was already with the Lakers.
The numbers says he is a legend with the team and that is why the jersey choice of Alexander is sparking discussions.
Should Pelicans retire Anthony Davis jersey?
Pelicans is not retiring yet but the Pelicans letting Alexander wear number 23 is sparking conversations about his standing with the franchise.
Should they retire his number in the future? The opinions from the NBA central post is divided. Many of them are about the ugly way they separated their ways.
I feel like if you literally demand not to play for a franchise anymore you shouldn’t be retired there. Leave during free agency? Different story.
But you just tell a team you don’t want to be on it anymore?
That cuts ties.
— KNeal (@KnealKp) September 8, 2025
Probably need to repair the relationship first. AD deserves it but he did force his way out
— ProphetX Hoops (@ProphetXHoops) September 8, 2025
He did ask for his way out of the Pelicans in 2019. Season was not over yet and already, it was reported that he will not sign an extension. He was even booed in one game he sat out and got featured on the LED screens.
He made a trade request but when the deadline passes, nothing came out.
Should his jersey number be put on the rafters?
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