ESPN Reporter Drops Key Details on Anthony Davis & Rob Pelinka Interaction as Mavs Make Big Squad Addition

On Tuesday, all eyes were on the Crypto.com Arena, particularly for one reason. That was Luka Doncic’s first game against his former team the Dallas Mavericks. However, the game was also supposed to be a homecoming for another star who was part of the blockbuster trade– Anthony Davis. An injury kept the 31-year-old on the sidelines on his return to Los Angeles. But, that did not stop the big man from getting into the spotlight.

While Davis’ move to Dallas was almost an afterthought in the stunning deal, Tuesday served as a great reminder of just how good the AD truly is! During the first quarter of the game, the Lakers honored Davis with a heartfelt tribute video. It highlighted the big man’s contributions dawning the purple and gold. Moreover, the Mavericks star received the warmest of welcomes from the Lakers faithful and he reciprocated that gratitude when he walked to the floor.

Well, all of this couldn’t have been possible without one man, Rob Pelinka. Yes, the Lakers general manager was behind the thoughtful homecoming of AD as revealed by ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. In the latest episode of his podcast ‘Brain Windhorst & The Hoop Collective‘ the 47-year-old analyst gave his insight. “We talked about the tribute that they were doing for Anthony Davis, that they were honoring him,” Windhorst said.

This being Dallas’ last scheduled visit to Los Angeles Rob Pelinka made sure Anthony Davis got his flowers. “This is the Mavericks’ last scheduled visit this year, so even though AD wasn’t playing, they wanted to honor him. AD was out there, and he talked about what they had planned for that. Everybody was in good spirits.” He further added. Well, all of this ended in smiles as LeBron James one of Davis’ confidants, and the rest of the arena applauded the former Lakers star. Interestingly, Windhorst also discussed an under-the-radar addition the Mavericks made.

Brain Windhorst reveals a ‘fascinating’ addition made by the Dallas Mavericks

While everyone is focused on the additions made by the Dallas Mavericks on the court, several people have missed a game-changing move behind the curtains. Head coach Jason Kidd added a defensive ace to his ranks over the summer. Who? You might ask. Last year, Kidd announced that former Suns and Lakers head coach Frank Vogel would be joining the Mavericks coaching staff, bringing in over two and a half decades of experience in the league.

While talking about his experience during the Lakers vs Mavericks game, Windhorst revealed something that wasn’t known by a lot of people. “Frank Vogel, who’s a coaching consultant for the Mavericks. Attended the game, and was out.” Stated Windhorst. He also spoke about Vogel and Pelinka’s interaction which was “very interesting” as per him. That’s given Pelinka was the one to fire him just over a couple of years ago. But, that’s all behind. Now, the 51-year-old Vogel is working as a consultant for Dallas and assisting Jason Kidd.

Interestingly, Kidd was part of Vogel’s staff as an assistant from 2019 to 2021 when he was at the helm as the Lakers HC. The two share a great working relationship and even won the 2020 championship together. Moreover, Vogel is well-known for his defensive acumen and there’s no doubt that this is a huge reason why he has been brought to Dallas. By the looks of this, it seems the Mavericks have finally got a coach they were targeting. Furthermore, he brings a lot to the table as they hope to win a championship in the near future.