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Report: Pelicans, Davis re-evaluating playing time

Jonathan Bachman / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The New Orleans Pelicans and Anthony Davis are re-evaluating the best way to handle the superstar's playing time after the All-Star break, although there's no plan in place as of now, sources told The Athletic's Sam Amick.

Davis was seen departing the Smoothie King Center with agent Rich Paul during Thursday's win over the Oklahoma City Thunder after suffering an apparent shoulder contusion, which reportedly incensed Pelicans owner Gayle Benson. However, sources told Amick that Davis was leaving to get an MRI at a nearby medical center.

According to Amick, Benson viewed the early exit as an embarrassing look for the Pelicans, which prompted the timing of Friday's firing of GM Dell Demps. He has been replaced in the interim by Danny Ferry.

The Pelicans would have a clear-cut case to sit Davis if his injury - which has thrown his participation in Sunday's All-Star Game into question - lingers. From an asset management standpoint, New Orleans would likely prefer sitting him for the remainder of the season before trading him in the summer.

However, the NBA reportedly threatened the Pelicans with steep fines if they purposely shelve Davis, something the league later denied. Sources told Amick the situation has not yet involved the National Basketball Players Association.

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