A new revelation suggests that Monty Williams’ demanding coaching style led to a serious conflict with Anthony Davis’ father during their time in New Orleans.
NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson shared on The Basketball Society podcast that tensions between Williams and Davis ran deep when the coach led the then-New Orleans Hornets.
“I know that he and Anthony Davis were going at it left and right to the point that Anthony Davis Senior was quarreling with Monty Williams,” Robinson said.
According to Robinson, the situation escalated to the point where Davis’ father allegedly challenged Williams to a fight.
“I was told—I’ve never publicly said this—that it got to a point where Anthony Davis Senior invited Monty Williams outside for a fight,” he revealed.
Williams, known for pushing his big men to meet high expectations, reportedly clashed with Davis in ways similar to his well-documented issues with Deandre Ayton in Phoenix.
“Monty Williams commands a lot from big men. This goes back to his days as head coach with the Pelicans or the Hornets rather,” Robinson said.
The reported dispute sheds light on Davis’ early years in the league, where he emerged as a dominant force but may have faced internal friction with his coach.
Davis played under Williams from 2012 to 2015, averaging 24.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks in their final season together before the coach was dismissed.
Williams later took over in Phoenix, where similar tensions arose with Ayton, ultimately leading to the center’s exit from the Suns.
