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NBA Player Power Rankings: Change of the Guard

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 16, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) steals the ball from New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) during the third quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Pelicans defeated the Kings 123-108. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) steals the ball from New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) during the third quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Pelicans defeated the Kings 123-108. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 9, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward center Anthony Davis (23) looks to shoot as he is defended by Charlotte Hornets forward Marvin Williams (2) during the first half of the game at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward center Anthony Davis (23) looks to shoot as he is defended by Charlotte Hornets forward Marvin Williams (2) during the first half of the game at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans

Last Rank: No. 7

Position: Power Forward

Age: 22

Slash Line: .494/.327/.756

Season Averages: 35.8 MPG, 24.4 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 2.2 ORPG, 1.9 APG, 2.1 BPG, 1.3 SPG, 0.6 3PM

At just 23 years of age, Anthony Davis has already solidified his place as one of the Top 10 players in the NBA. He’s on pace to average at least 20.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks for the third consecutive season, was named to the All-NBA First Team in 2014-15, and has a Second Team appearance on the way in 2015-16.

Davis’ New Orleans Pelicans aren’t winning as much as they did a season ago, but that’s not to his fault.

Davis’ statistical brilliance has continued in 2015-16, and that isn’t limited to his 59-point and 20-rebound outing against the Detroit Pistons. He’s been brilliant since the beginning of the season, and continues to overachieve for a player his age.

Seriously, how in the world is he this good at 23?

If we’re to ignore the fact that he did this at 21 and 22, no player has averaged at least 20.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks at 23 or younger since Dwight Howard in 2007-08 and 2008-09, and Tim Duncan in 1999-2000. Shockingly, Davis isn’t just young and productive; he’s playing at an all-time level.

No player has accumulated those averages in at least three consecutive seasons since Tim Duncan in 2004-05—something Davis is on pace to do.

Next: Three Quarters and It's Over