by Steve Travers
As fans, we are always looking for the next great player, the next star, the man. Every great team has one. Lebron. Duncan. MJ. The league is currently experiencing a changing of the guard. Before we know it players like Kobe, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett and other stars will be retiring soon, leaving a vacancy where the great ones once stood. Lebron has a lot of gas left in the tank and no doubt will still be a force for quite a while. Kevin Durant has turned into a young superstar and MVP. But, who’s next?
As fans, we are always looking for the next great player, the next star, the man. Every great team has one. Lebron. Duncan. MJ. The league is currently experiencing a changing of the guard. Before we know it players like Kobe, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett and other stars will be retiring soon, leaving a vacancy where the great ones once stood. Lebron has a lot of gas left in the tank and no doubt will still be a force for quite a while. Kevin Durant has turned into a young superstar and MVP. But, who’s next?
The one player I believe that will find the next level and ascend into stardom is Anthony Davis of the Pelicans. In his second season last year he surpassed most expectations and not only greatly improved his numbers but improved his overall game. He has a maturity about him that far exceeds his 21 years, has an infectious smile, and of course, the brow. After a successful rookie campaign, Davis busted out in his sophomore season to become an all star and led the league in blocked shots with exceptional defense, a handle like a point guard and a very good shot which is improving. Training camp for the 2014 FIBA World Cup has just begun and Coach Krzyzewski has been quoted as saying that Davis will be a key player, a major piece for team USA success. Very impressive for such a young guy. Now that Kevin Love has pulled out of the games, Davis now has that chance to be the man. He has already won gold for team USA in the 2012 Olympics so he now knows what to expect in the international game, this time playing in a much larger role than two years ago. His ability to fill the 4 or the 5 spot with ease speaks to his versatility and his unselfishness will help lead this team. Defensively he is a force who is only getting better and there is a joy in watching him block shots.
Going into the 2014-15 there is growing believe that Anthony Davis can take the next step, knocking on the door of greatness. Kevin Durant has mentioned that Davis is “next in line” to be in the conversation for mvp status. It is always high praise when it is mentioned by not only another player, but an mvp himself. I believe he has what it takes to get there and is ever improving his all around game, refusing to take it easy and not resting on his talents. What has been a surprise is his offensive game with a growing arsenal of moves, being able to post up, can burn you on the pick and roll, iso and also has become a deadly shooter. His athleticism is off the charts for a power forward and has an aptitude for the game far beyond his years, a rare combination. Over this off season he has noticeably bulked up and with the addition of Omar Asik the Pelicans will have a very good frontcourt, giving Davis more time at his natural forward position, where he can excel, although thrust him into any situation on the court and he has the ability to adapt. Last seasons numbers of 20.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.8 blocks per game are eye opening for a second year player. In addition, his 26.54 PER was fourth best in the league. Anything in the 28 plus range will put you into mvp talk. Numbers do not tell the whole story here, especially on the defensive end. Many coaches and scouts will go on about his ability to change shots in addition to his blocking numbers and the ability to steal the ball, mostly by filling the passing lane. At one point last season he was caught in a mismatch with guard Gerald Henderson. Henderson was pulling off a couple crossover moves on him but Davis stayed patient, stuck with him through every move then finished with a resounding block. These plays are becoming all too common. As for his blocking skills he has since improved his game to value possessions after the block. In his rookie year Davis would block shots directly out of bounds and onto Sportscenter, where this season many more of his blocks ended in ball possessions, quite a few leading to the outlet pass and the easy bucket. Bill Russell was the master of this. Scary thing is, in time he will only get better.
Coming out of college Anthony Davis had a couple flaws that he needed to work on and since entering the league, has. It was said he needed to improve his offensive game, especially low post. Check. Physical and low post defense. Check. Shooting touch and range. Check. Size. Check. He has the maturity and knowledge to improve his game like the greats always do and is the type of player who has such a unique two way game it is very tough to compare him historically to other players. He is way to young to be spoken of in a conversation of the all time greats, but has the potential to become one someday with a combination of Kevin Garnett, David Robinson, and Hakeem Olajwons skills. As for the mental aspect of his game and his maturity at such a young age I can see some Tim Duncan traits within him also. Davis is not any of these players yet, but in my opinion has the opportunity to eventually be considered among the elite. Many factors and time will tell if this is the direction his career goes, but from what we have seen so far, look no further, we may have found the next great one.
Going into the 2014-15 there is growing believe that Anthony Davis can take the next step, knocking on the door of greatness. Kevin Durant has mentioned that Davis is “next in line” to be in the conversation for mvp status. It is always high praise when it is mentioned by not only another player, but an mvp himself. I believe he has what it takes to get there and is ever improving his all around game, refusing to take it easy and not resting on his talents. What has been a surprise is his offensive game with a growing arsenal of moves, being able to post up, can burn you on the pick and roll, iso and also has become a deadly shooter. His athleticism is off the charts for a power forward and has an aptitude for the game far beyond his years, a rare combination. Over this off season he has noticeably bulked up and with the addition of Omar Asik the Pelicans will have a very good frontcourt, giving Davis more time at his natural forward position, where he can excel, although thrust him into any situation on the court and he has the ability to adapt. Last seasons numbers of 20.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.8 blocks per game are eye opening for a second year player. In addition, his 26.54 PER was fourth best in the league. Anything in the 28 plus range will put you into mvp talk. Numbers do not tell the whole story here, especially on the defensive end. Many coaches and scouts will go on about his ability to change shots in addition to his blocking numbers and the ability to steal the ball, mostly by filling the passing lane. At one point last season he was caught in a mismatch with guard Gerald Henderson. Henderson was pulling off a couple crossover moves on him but Davis stayed patient, stuck with him through every move then finished with a resounding block. These plays are becoming all too common. As for his blocking skills he has since improved his game to value possessions after the block. In his rookie year Davis would block shots directly out of bounds and onto Sportscenter, where this season many more of his blocks ended in ball possessions, quite a few leading to the outlet pass and the easy bucket. Bill Russell was the master of this. Scary thing is, in time he will only get better.
Coming out of college Anthony Davis had a couple flaws that he needed to work on and since entering the league, has. It was said he needed to improve his offensive game, especially low post. Check. Physical and low post defense. Check. Shooting touch and range. Check. Size. Check. He has the maturity and knowledge to improve his game like the greats always do and is the type of player who has such a unique two way game it is very tough to compare him historically to other players. He is way to young to be spoken of in a conversation of the all time greats, but has the potential to become one someday with a combination of Kevin Garnett, David Robinson, and Hakeem Olajwons skills. As for the mental aspect of his game and his maturity at such a young age I can see some Tim Duncan traits within him also. Davis is not any of these players yet, but in my opinion has the opportunity to eventually be considered among the elite. Many factors and time will tell if this is the direction his career goes, but from what we have seen so far, look no further, we may have found the next great one.