‘Bleacher Report’ Ranks Anthony Davis 9th Best Player In The NBA

Last Thursday, ‘Bleacher Report’ came out with a list ranking the top-100 players coming into the 2017 NBA season. From 100 all the way down to 1, each player is ranked based on factors including age, health, play style, offseason relocations, projected court time, role changes, untapped potential and natural regression. While one can easily guess the top 3 players on the list (Lebron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant) the remaining 97 slots are always up for debate. As for the the New Orleans Pelicans, they posses 3 players found inside the top 50, and one specifically falling inside the top-10. That man, ladies and gentlemen? Anthony Davis.

91.

Thats the number of players Anthony Davis ranks ahead of on this illustrious list. Coming in at number 9, the ‘Brow’ has once again proven to the masses that he’s one of the most dominant forces in the game today.

At just 24 years of age, Davis is the second youngest player within the top-10, behind only Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo (age: 22/ rank: 5). With 2016-17 season averages of 28.0 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.3 SPG and 2.2 BPG  it’s no wonder we see AD ranked where he is. Now, coming into year 5, it only seems fair to anticipate the same, if not BIGGER things from the power forward.

MUST READ: AD To Become Pelicans All-Time Leading Scorer This Season

In discussing the reasoning behind Davis’ rank, Dan Favale, the articles author, stated:

"The Pelicans, for starters, don’t have the tested depth to do anything other than ride the backs of both their bigs. Davis will get his, because they need him to get his. He averaged 23.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.9 blocks per 36 minutes of spin next to Cousins. His defensive counting stats may have peaked within this dynamic, but his offensive production will improve as he acclimates to the new world order.In fact, they already have.Davis posted 27.5 points on 51.6 percent shooting per 36 minutes with Cousins over their final seven appearances, during which time the Pelicans torched opponents by 12.8 points every 100 possessions."

Quite the argument you have here Mr. Favale!

While we can always expect big things from Davis in the stat sheets, this season could see the ‘Brow’ improve upon an aspect we have yet to see from him thus far; leadership. When discussing the teams added experience during the offseason Davis said he wishes to become more of a leader for the Pelicans, stating it’s the “next step” in improving his overall game.

"“I think that’s the next step: trying to lead this team physically, mentally and emotionally,” Davis said.“I never really had to say much (as a leader)…but that’s the next step for me.”(per NOLA.com)"

Couple Davis’s stellar stat line with a sky high basketball I.Q. and a newly found leadership quality and you have a sure-fire top-10 player.

Next: Predicting the New Orleans Pelicans rotations, minutes distribution

The only question remaining, however, is if Davis deserves to be even higher. Well, we’ll all find out soon enough!

All Stats and information provided by Bleacher Report and NOLA.com.