8. Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans
Last Rank: No. 6
Position: Power Forward
Age: 22
Slash Line: .499/.322/.747
Season Averages: 35.8 MPG, 23.9 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 2.2 ORPG, 1.9 APG, 2.2 BPG, 1.3 SPG
The New Orleans Pelicans are underachieving in every sense of the word. What’s become abundantly clear in this down season, however, is that Anthony Davis can thrive under any and all circumstances—including a drastic change at head coach.
Alvin Gentry has Davis shooting more 3-point field goals than he ever has before, but his development as a floor-spacing big should extend his career.
Davis is averaging 23.9 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, and 1.3 steals. Those aren’t just great numbers for a 22-year-old power forward, but for any player who has endured a grueling NBA regular season.
Assuming he maintains this pace, Davis would complete a stretch during which he’s averages at least 20.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks in three consecutive seasons.
The last players to complete a streak of at least three straight seasons with those averages were Hakeem Olajuwon and David Robinson in 1995-96. That’s quite the company for a player to be placed in, specifically when they’ve yet to even approach their prime.
It’s frightening how good Davis will become, as well as how good he already is.
Next: No. 7