New Orleans Pelicans: Top 10 NBA Draft in franchise history

2. Anthony Davis (PF) — No. 1 pick in 2012 NBA Draft

Career stats (with the Pelicans/Hornets, 2012-present):  335 GP, 22.4 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.3 SPG, 2.4 BPG, 51.3 FG%, 29.0 3P%, 78.7 FT%

The Hornets seemed like a lost franchise when they traded Chris Paul away in 2011. However, Anthony Davis’s arrival in 2012 has paved the way for a new era of New Orleans basketball.

A 21-45 season in 2011-12 put the Hornets in the position to draft Davis No. 1 overall. Davis only spent one year at Kentucky before being selected, and that was all he needed. He averaged 14.2 points, 10.4 rebounds and 4.7 blocks per game, leading a 38-2 Wildcat team to a national title. His dominant season allowed him to become consensus National Player of the Year.

Davis’ rookie year was promising. He finished the season averaging 13.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. He also managed to finish second in Rookie of the Year voting, losing out to Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard.

Davis kicked things into high gear for his sophomore season. He averaged 20.8 points, 10.0 rebounds and a league-high 2.8 blocks per game. Davis also made the first of four consecutive All-Star appearances.

His third season saw him average 24.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game and lead the league in blocks again with 2.9. He also used his league-high 30.8 PER and 14.0 win shares to lead the Pelicans to their first playoff appearance since 2011.

Anthony Davis continues to dominate in New Orleans as general manager Dell Demps attempts to build a formidable team around him. In February, he made a major deal that brought in All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins. This daunting frontcourt duo will now set out to take the Pelicans to the next level.

Davis quickly burst onto the basketball scene in 2010, and became known as a can’t-miss prospect. He hasn’t missed for New Orleans. However, the front office’s ability to surround this All-Star with more talent will be key to determining his ultimate legacy as a Pelican.