On Sunday night, the Pelicans beat the Pistons 111-106. It was a close game, but there was only one player everyone focused on: Anthony “The Brow” Davis. He absolutely exploded, scoring 59 points on 24-34 shooting and snagging 20 rebounds. He became the third player to notch a 50-20 game since 1983, joining legends Shaquille O’Neal and Chris Webber. It was just another example of why Davis is on his way to becoming an NBA legend. Whether it was hitting from outside, working in the post or making tough midrange jumpers, no one could stop “The Brow.”
Despite an extremely underwhelming season from the Pels, who are sitting at 11th place in the currently stagnant Western Conference at 22-33, Davis is still doing all he can to keep his team afloat. He is currently averaging 24.3 points per game, 10.1 rebounds per game, 1.3 steals per game and 2.2 blocks per game. Even though the Pelicans roster is depleted due to injury issues and their performance has been subpar due to system issues, Davis has still continued his progress towards becoming the best big man in the league. There are so many ways that he can dominate a game; from his improved offense to his already-stellar defense, Davis has very few flaws left to fix.
We all know about Davis’ skills as a defensive anchor. His 7’5” wingspan alone would attest to that fact. Coming out of Kentucky, Davis was always touted as a future defensive icon who would wreak havoc in the NBA, and he has done so with aplomb, constantly blocking or altering shots all over the floor. His offense was in question when he came into the league: despite playing as a guard before his growth spurt in high school, many wondered if he would be able to retain the ball handling, facilitating and scoring that one would expect from a wing player. Davis has come through when it comes to scoring. He has started to develop a three point shot along with his already dangerous inside game. If he continues to improve his 31 percent clip from beyond the arc this season, there’s no telling how impactful he could be on the offensive side of the floor. He still has two turnovers per game and only averages two assists a game, evidence that there is still work to be done. However, Davis has already become an NBA superstar, scoring 31.5 points per game along with 11 rebounds per game in last year’s first round playoff series against the eventual champions, the Golden State Warriors.
Though the Pelicans’ season isn’t currently looking well, they have a lot to look forward to in the future. Jrue Holiday and Tyreke Evans have found doses of success in the New Orleans system, and with a roster more suited to coach Alvin Gentry’s liking, his schemes will take root and flow better in years to come. However, the Pels are ahead of many teams in the league because they don’t need to search for an NBA superstar. Their hopes lie on Anthony Davis’ broad shoulders, and whether he can carry them to playoff success or not, he will mark his place in history trying.
