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New Orleans Pelicans: Anthony Davis Wisely Sitting Out All Star Game

By Owen Sanborn

Feb 6, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) handles the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka (9) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) handles the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka (9) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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The news broke on Wednesday that Anthony Davis is neglecting to participate in the All-Star Game in New York City in order to further nurse his right shoulder sprain. Although he had the blessing of players and coaches, Davis decided that he will attend the festivities in New York only as a spectator.

This decision further illustrates the maturity that the young Davis has both as a player and a human being. I commend him for reaching this decision and allowing another deserving Western Conference player (in this case Dirk Nowitzki) to earn a roster spot on the All-Star team. Now, whether Dirk was the correct choice for the spot (I believe DeAndre Jordan and Zach Randolph beg to differ) is a topic for another time.

Davis explained to the Associated Press that his priorities are geared towards getting the Pelicans in position to make the playoffs for the first time in his career:

“I just want to get back to 100 percent so I can get back on the floor with my team…We could definitely make some noise, but we’ve got to figure a lot of things out. So we’re definitely excited to come back after All-Star, get our team healthy again and try to make this playoff push.”

Those are strong words from a player of Davis’ youth; he sounds like an esteemed vet that is getting ready for a championship run. I am by no means saying that the Pelicans will make a championship run of their own (they probably won’t make the playoffs) but the future is definitley bright with this specimen leading them both psychologically and physically.

In today’s NBA world, there is less onus on players to give it their all during the regular season. Greg Popovich has pioneered a “bench your star players” method in order to preserve their health for a deep run into June. Since his methods have proven to be correct (because come on, it’s freaking Pop) other players and teams in the league are beginning to follow suit.

LeBron James went on a two-week sabbatical in the MIDDLE OF THE SEASON to get right both mentally and physically. Carmelo Anthony is rumored to shut things down directly after the All Star break in preparation for the New YorkKnicks to tank and secure a top-five pick in this year’s draft next season.

I understand that Melo may not be healthy, but the fans (and the lucky Knicks season ticket holders) lose when the best players neglect to participate as much as they possibly can, regardless of their team’s record.

It is a refreshing sight for a player like Davis to say no to the biggest event of the NBA season in favor of getting himself right for his teammates and fans of New Orleans.

As evidenced by Wednesday night’s beat down at home against the Indiana Pacers, the Pelicans are in desperate need of a healthy Davis to even stay relevant in the Western Conference playoff picture.

And I think he realizes this more than anyone.

Next: NBA: 50 Greatest Players Of All Time

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