Since being drafted first overall by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2012, Anthony Davis has been a force on both ends of the court in the NBA. Now 31, the 6-foot-10 star has built a reputation for his elite skills and understated presence off the court. Unlike some of his flashier peers, Davis prefers to stay low-profile when not dominating the paint. The newly traded Dallas Mavericks center is displaying his personality in his latest campaign with CeraVe, and he’s having a great time doing it.

Stepping Into the Spotlight—On His Own Terms

“Oh, man, it was amazing,” Davis told PEOPLE about filming the commercial. “I try to keep it very exclusive with who I get to show my personality for, but it was a lot of fun shooting this commercial with CeraVe, and people get to see my other side outside of basketball.”

The campaign effectively portrays Davis as the ‘head’ of CeraVe, emphasizing how his tall stature gives him a distinctive perspective—literally—on people’s scalps. Davis, who acknowledges he has faced dandruff, disclosed that his wife, Marlen Davis, introduced him to the product before the partnership existed.

“I ended up using it at the arena after a game one time, and I just liked the way it cleared up the flakes while doing what it’s supposed to do,” Davis said. “And lo and behold, here comes CeraVe wanting to do a commercial, so I actually told them that story.”

A Gentle Giant with a Unique Perspective

Davis’ humor and humility are relatable despite his size and stature. He recalls a time when he didn’t always have a big advantage over his opponents — but a dramatic growth spurt in high school changed everything.

“When I was going into my junior year in high school, I grew seven inches in that summer,” he said.

That transformation shaped his career, but being tall has its own set of challenges. Davis, at almost 7 feet, finds navigating a world designed for shorter people more frustrating because of his height.

“Honestly, walking through doorways,” he admitted with a laugh. “You’ve got to duck all the time, sitting in cars or on planes. The world wasn’t made for tall people.”

And while he towers over his competition on the court, his twin sister, Antoinette, stands at just 5-foot-5. A stark contrast that he playfully acknowledges.

“She’s very short, so I’ve been able to see her scalp for a long time,” he joked.

Superstitions and Routine: The Davis Way

When it comes to his game-day rituals, Davis is known for his meticulousness. Like many athletes, he adheres to a strict pregame routine that is crucial for his performance.

“I feel like if I don’t [follow it], then my whole energy is off,” he said. “So, I get dressed the same exact way from start to finish. I have a real routine that I go through in my head as far as a checklist.”

The left side is where it all begins for Davis.

“I put my left shoe on first. I get my left ankle taped first. I put my left leg through my pants and my shorts first. Everything is just left. I don’t know why. It just kind of became the same.”

More Than Just Basketball

Davis is always more interested in action than words, whether delivering clutch performances on the court or carefully choosing how to present himself to the world. His new CeraVe campaign gives fans a rare glimpse into his personality, showing that despite being reserved, he knows how to leave people wanting more. As his next chapter in Dallas begins, NBA fans are eager to see what else he has in store on and off the court.