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Playoff Picture: New Orleans Pelicans

By Luke Duffy

Apr 15, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) stands on the court against the San Antonio Spurs during the fourth quarter at the Smoothie King Center.The Pelicans won 108-103 to earn the eight seed in the Western Conference Playoffs. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) stands on the court against the San Antonio Spurs during the fourth quarter at the Smoothie King Center.The Pelicans won 108-103 to earn the eight seed in the Western Conference Playoffs. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 15, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) stands on the court against the San Antonio Spurs during the fourth quarter at the Smoothie King Center.The Pelicans won 108-103 to earn the eight seed in the Western Conference Playoffs. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) stands on the court against the San Antonio Spurs during the fourth quarter at the Smoothie King Center.The Pelicans won 108-103 to earn the eight seed in the Western Conference Playoffs. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Go To Guy

Anthony Davis

Another no-brainer here. Davis spent the first few months of the season firmly in the MVP mix. He fell off somewhat when Stephen Curry and James Harden took it to another level, although you could argue he should be the league MVP given how he was able to carry this team to the playoffs. I wouldn’t be of that opinion, but it’s great to see him get the acclaim he rightly deserves.

Even sweeter for Davis, it was his buzzer beating three-pointer against the Thunder that gave his team the win on that occasion, while also handing them the tiebreaker to make it to the playoffs. The truly great players always add something to their games, and already Davis’ jump shot has made great strides. It opens up the floor both for him and his teammates.

He had the highest Player Efficiency Rating across the whole league during the regular season (an insane 30.89). In fact, that number was the 11th-highest of all time across a single season. Only Wilt Chamberlain, LeBron James and Michael Jordan have posted better numbers.

Still don’t believe this guy is for real? He led the league in blocks (2.9), was eighth in rebounding (10.2) and was fourth in scoring (24.4 points per game).

He is as critical to his team as James Harden or Stephen Curry are to their title contending units. Indeed, Bill Simmons thinks he’s already the most unmovable guy in the league. Like Kevin Durant before him, his first foray into the playoffs will likely be a brief one, but also a true breakout moment for him.

He can’t be Golden State on his own, but he’ll still put up big numbers because he’s a true two way beast who has bulked up considerably since entering the league.

Next: No Seriously, Davis Is Really Good

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