New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis is quietly on the verge of a breakout season. A stronger, healthier, more experienced Davis will soon become a household name. Expectations were high with Davis as he was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft. Davis had a solid rookie campaign in 2012-13, averaging 13.5 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. Davis played well but nagging injuries and the grind of his first professional season prevented him from making the immediate impact that many expected from the first overall pick in the NBA draft.
As Davis approaches his second season, it is clear that he focused on improving. I spoke to Davis prior to the Pelicans’ Oct. 7 matchup against the Dallas Mavericks and asked him what aspect of his game he worked on during the offseason.
"“I worked on a lot, there wasn’t one specific thing. I definitely worked on getting stronger, other than that I’m working on mainly everything to try to become a complete player.”"
Adjusting to playing in the NBA
Davis faced the challenge that all first-year power forwards and centers find waiting for them on the professional level. Playing in the paint in the NBA is far different than the collegiate experience that first year big men are accustomed to. The big men in the NBA are more physical, stronger and more experienced than any of the competition that rookies have previously faced. This is just part of the challenge that first-year forwards and centers face as they make the transition to the professional level.
Davis addressed this when I asked him what lessons he learned during his rookie season that he will take with him into his second year in the league.
"“I’m going to take care of my body. I don’t want to be injured as much. That will be a big thing for me is trying to stay healthy.”"
Davis faced this challenge during his rookie season and worked hard in the offseason to prepare his body for the physical toll the NBA takes on young big men.
Supporting Cast
New Orleans not only has a new mascot and new team colors in 2013-14, they have also assembled a roster with more talent and depth on it than the one that hit the court in 2012-13. The Pelicans were aggressive in the offseason and they have improved the talent that surrounds their young star forward. On draft day the Pelicans acquired point guard Jrue Holiday from the Philadelphia 76ers. Holiday is only 23 years old and is coming off his first All-Star Game appearance in 2012-13. Holiday’s point and assists totals have increased in each of his four NBA seasons.
The Pelicans did not stop with the acquisition of Holiday. Shooting guard Tyreke Evans was signed to a four-year, $44 million dollar contract after a sign-and-trade with the Sacramento Kings. Evans was the Rookie of the Year in 2009-10, but his numbers have gradually decreased each year since then. Evans still possesses a great deal of talent and he should benefit from his fresh start in New Orleans. His former team; the Sacramento Kings, have been one of the most dysfunctional franchises in the NBA over the last five years.
Looking ahead
Davis turned heads during the offseason during the USA Basketball intrasquad showcase in Las Vegas in July. The USA basketball showcase is a chance for young players to exhibit their skills to the Team USA coaching staff. Davis took advantage of this opportunity and turned heads with 22 points and seven rebounds in only 23 minutes of action. One of the highlights of the game included a leaping steal by Davis that turned into a coast-to-coast drive and dunk. Davis displayed his athleticism, ball-handling skills and scoring ability in one spectacular play. Team USA has likely found a key piece to their FIBA World Cup team that will take the court in Spain in 2014.
Davis has continued to impress during the early part of the preseason, showcasing his improved game each time he has taken the court. Through the first three games, Davis has averaged 25.0 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game. Davis has mentioned how hard he worked on the physical aspect of his game, but after watching Davis play during the preseason it is clear that his feel for the game has vastly improved as well. Davis has been selective with his shot, as evidenced by his 52.7 shooting percentage from the field.
Davis has a unique blend of athleticism, talent and drive. Tim Duncan, Dirk Nowitzki and Kevin Garnett are all entering the twilight of their careers and the NBA is need of a new group of great young forwards. Anthony Davis has the potential to be mentioned with those future Hall of Fame players if he continues work hard and develop his game. The early signs from his second year in the league indicate he is on pace to do just that. The Pelicans may not be a team that draws national attention just yet, but keep an eye on Anthony Davis when you have a chance to see him play, his rare combination of skills are worth the price of admission.