New Orleans Pelicans: 5 goals for Anthony Davis in 2017-18
1. Carry New Orleans back into the playoffs
Anthony Davis is unquestionably a franchise player, earning four All-Star selections, being named to the All-NBA First Team on two occasions and leading the Pelicans in scoring, rebounding and blocks in each of the past four seasons.
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For all of his individual accolades, New Orleans hasn’t been much of a threat in the Western Conference, posting a record of 170-240 over the past five years and securing just one playoff appearance.
In his lone postseason series, Davis averaged 31.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.0 blocks, 2.0 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Despite his impressive stat line, the Golden State Warriors easily swept the Pelicans in the opening round of the 2015 playoffs.
Since selecting Davis with the first overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, the team has won over 35 games just once in five seasons.
In the 16-year history of the franchise, New Orleans has qualified for the postseason just six times and advanced just once, eliminating the Dallas Mavericks in 2008 before falling to the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference semifinals.
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Davis has kept the franchise relevant because of his play, but the team needs to embark on a successful campaign in 2017-18. Anything short of a postseason appearance would fall short of the goal.