Hoops Habit
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NBA Player Power Rankings: MVP Candidates Continue To Clash

By Maxwell Ogden

January 18, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) dribbles the basketball against Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 121-100. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 18, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) dribbles the basketball against Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 121-100. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 16, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) wears the MLK day shirt before the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Indiana Pacers beat New Orleans Pelicans 98-95.Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) wears the MLK day shirt before the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Indiana Pacers beat New Orleans Pelicans 98-95.Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans

Position: Power Forward
Age: 23 (3/11/1993)
Experience: 5th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .501/.300/.796
2016-17 Season Averages: 36.6 MPG, 28.8 PPG, 12.1 RPG, 2.4 ORPG, 2.2 APG, 2.4 BPG, 1.3 SPG, 0.5 3PM

The New Orleans Pelicans are 17-26, but Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday are providing some form of stability. Since falling to 9-20, the Pelicans have gone 8-6 and have closed the gap in the pursuit of the postseason.

With the Pelicans closing in on the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference, it’s only fair for Davis to maintain his spot in the Top 10.

Davis is justifying the Kevin Garnett comparisons by putting forth yet another all-time statistical season in 2016-17. Through 40 appearances, he’s on pace to becoming the first player to average at least 28.0 points, 12.0 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, and 1.0 steal since 1975-76.

For perspective, the only other players in NBA history who have averaged at least 28.0 points, 12.0 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, and 1.0 steal are Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bob McAdoo.

Davis began this past week with 36 points, 14 rebounds, two assists, three blocks, and a steal on 14-of-23 shooting. He ended the week with 21 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, and one block in just 29 minutes during a lopsided win over the Orlando Magic.

If New Orleans can continue to improve and secure the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference, Davis will solidify his spot on an All-NBA team.