Ranking the top 50 NBA players of the 2021-22 season: 10-1

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Top 50 NBA players ranked: 9. Anthony Davis

Previous Rank: 5

Last season was something of a lost cause for the Los Angeles Lakers. Anthony Davis and LeBron James both dealt with injuries. Davis was limited to just 36 games due to injuries last season and even when he was healthy he never quite looked like himself after the quick turnaround between seasons. Not just were his numbers less impressive than in season’s past but the eye test told a story of exhaustion following a title win.

Starting with the numbers, it is clear the new champion was not performing at his usual levels. He averaged just 21.8 points (lowest since his second season), 7.9 rebounds (lowest of his career), 3.1 assists, 1.6 blocks (career-low) and 1.3 steals per game. He was clearly hampered for much of the season and in the end, his physical limitations cost the team in the long run.

For a fully reloaded Lakers squad, Davis will remain atop the list of most important players with LeBron James. Much and more will be made about the additions of Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony. Jokes abound about the age of the depth on the team. However, what ultimately matters the most will be the health and performance of Davis and James. Should everything break right, Davis will show the world once again why he was the handpicked successor to the king.