New Orleans Pelicans: 3 goals for Anthony Davis in 2018-19

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 23: NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 23 Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts after scoring against the Miami Heat during overtime at Smoothie King Center on February 23, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

1. Win MVP and take the title of “world’s best player” from LeBron

Davis is undoubtedly a top-five defensive player in the NBA, and with his varied offensive skill-set, if he isn’t a top-five offensive player, he’s close.

Largely playing in small-ball lineups post-All-Star break last year, Davis posted more efficient numbers on offense as he got the ball more often in the middle of the floor.

He continued to be a terror on pick and rolls too, posting 1.18 points per possession as the roll man on offense and allowing just 0.81 points per possession defending ball-handlers on pick-and-rolls. With LeBron resting more during games, as ESPN‘s Brian Windhorst noted in May, and Kawhi Leonard‘s condition in question, Davis is far and away the best two-way player in the game.

If Davis meets the goals of playing 75-plus games and the Pelicans win more than 50 games, he’ll likely take home his first MVP award. He’s already one of the four preseason favorites, per Odds Shark.

Next. Ranking all 30 starting NBA centers for 2018-19. dark

While reigning MVP James Harden is incredible, not many consider him to be the best player in the world. If Davis wins the 2018-19 MVP, factoring in the wear and tear of another year on LeBron’s body, people will have to seriously consider the Brow as the league’s best player entering 2019-20.

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