New Orleans Pelicans Rank: Anthony Davis Roundtable

Apr 23, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward

(23) reacts against the Golden State Warriors during the third quarter in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

This was always the right way to end the New Orleans Pelicans rank project. With Anthony Davis on the roster, the number one player on the list was never under question as Davis has started to ascend to his place as not only the best basketball player in New Orleans but the best basketball player in the world after this past season.

Offensively, Davis consistently dazzles with his combination of length, basketball IQ and finishing ability out of the pick-and-roll. He also has shown off an improved jumper in the last year that saw him become one of the deadliest pick-and-pop players in the league as well which is scary for a player that can handle the ball perhaps better than any other big man in basketball.

Defensively, Davis again led the league in blocked shots this past season thanks to a combination of factors. It starts with his basketball IQ as Davis shows an uncanny ability at times to blow up opponents plays despite not being directly involved. When his foes do actually get a shot off, Davis will often find a way to alter or block it, no matter where it comes from. No other defender in the league combines Davis’ ability to block shots on both the interior and perimeter, making him some kind of unique defensive weapon we haven’t even seen fully unleashed yet.

Really that last part is what makes Davis so incredible. At 22-years old, Davis is yet to come close to finished product he will be one day despite already being one of the best players in the NBA. Considering he is already locked up long-term in New Orleans there isn’t much to do anymore besides sit back and watch the growth.

And for today, to talk a few things Davis.

Next: Place at the Top