WGL Sports Performer of the Day (2/10/17)
New Orleans Pelicans Power Forward Anthony Davis (42 points, 13 rebounds)
The New Orleans Pelicans were supposed to be a playoff contender this season. At least that’s what all of the talking heads were saying in the offseason. Led by Anthony Davis, a player many consider to be a top 10 and maybe top five talent in the league, the Pelicans were expected to take that next step toward relevance this season. At 21-33, a playoff spot will not be in the cards, but at least they still have Davis to build around. Last night against the Timberwolves, Davis faced off against another young, up-and-coming star big man, Karl-Anthony Towns. Davis got the better of his fellow Kentucky Wildcat, putting up 42 points and 13 rebounds in a 122-106 win for the Pelicans. He was a highly efficient 16 for 22 from the field.
Despite his team’s woes, Davis is putting up monster numbers this season without having a whole lot of help around him. He is averaging career highs in points (27.6) and rebounds (12.1) per game. Both figures are good for 6th best in the NBA. Still just 23 years old, Davis is already headed to his fourth All-Star game next weekend, and he has been voted into the starting lineup. Coming out of college, Davis was picked 1st overall in the 2012 draft. He was seen as an elite defensive prospect whose offensive game was lagging behind. The potential was there, but he had some work to do. Fast forward five years later, and Davis remains great on defense, but he also boasts an offensive versatility uncommon in today’s game. Not only can he score in a variety of ways in the post, but he can also step outside and knock down a three pointer. Davis has developed into an unstoppable force, but he still cannot do it all on his own. The Pelicans need to give this man a halfway decent supporting cast pronto.
