5. Anthony Davis
Anthony Davis has finally arrived on the national stage. It was easy for some of his skeptics to write him off for his lack of success with the New Orleans Pelicans, despite the fact that most if not all of the rosters around him during his time there. Forcing his way out of the organization emboldened those who wanted to doubt him. After one season with the Los Angeles Lakers it is impossible to doubt his greatness anymore.
Davis made a real case for Finals MVP and regular season Defensive Player of the Year. He averaged 26.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2.3 blocks and 1.5 steals. He finished top 40 in offensive rating and top 15 in defensive rating. Oh, and he won his first NBA Championship.
There were times were he was the best player on the court, even when he shared that court with LeBron James. Part of that was due to a focus by his teammate to make him the best player in the world. But Davis was clearly up to the challenge. He was seventh in the postseason in scoring and 15th in rebounding.
As James continues to age any sort of Laker domination will fall on Davis’ massive shoulders. And that is fine too. Anthony Davis has been waiting for years to be the focal point on a championship team. As the Los Angeles Lakers are primed to defend their title and are favorites to repeat Davis is just that.