NBA Player Power Rankings: The Marathon For MVP Begins

Nov 9, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden (13) drives to the basket while guarded by San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the second half at AT&T Center. The rockets won 101-99. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 4, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) reacts after guard Langston Galloway (10) scores during the second half of a game against the Phoenix Suns at the Smoothie King Center. The Suns defeated the Pelicans 112-111 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans

Position: Power Forward
Age: 23 (3/11/1993)
Experience: 5th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .505/.188/.824
2016-17 Season Averages: 37.9 MPG, 31.0 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 2.0 ORPG, 1.9 APG, 3.1 BPG, 1.9 SPG

From an individual perspective, one could argue that no player has been better than Anthony Davis. The 2015 All-NBA First Team honoree is nine games into the process of receiving another All-NBA nod in 2016-17.

The New Orleans Pelicans have been nothing short of terrible as a team, but there have been no shortage of reasons to be impressed.

Davis began the season by recording 50 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, five steals, and four blocks against the Denver Nuggets. It was the first time in NBA history that a player had recorded 50 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and five steals in the same game.

Two days later, Davis had 45 points and 17 rebounds against the two-time defending Western Conference champion Golden State Warriors.

Davis continues to produce absurd numbers, but the Pelicans haven’t been successful as a team. Injuries to Tyreke Evans, Jrue Holiday, and Lance Stephenson have been the defining factors, which is why Davis is so easily forgiven.

If the Pelicans were winning with any form of consistency, Davis would likely be the No. 1 player on this list.