National Basketball Association

New Orleans Pelicans: Anthony Davis Must Anchor Defense In 2016-17

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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New Orleans Pelicans big man Anthony Davis is on an all-time trajectory, but is he trying hard enough on defense? Davis responded to that very question.

At just 23 years of age, New Orleans Pelicans power forward Anthony Davis is already on an all-time trajectory. Despite the frustrating injuries he’s endured, Davis has managed to secure a place as one of the Top 10 players in the NBA.

In order to maximize his potential, Davis must do what everyone expected him to when he was drafted: become a defensive anchor.

During his time at the University of Kentucky, Davis became the top prospect in the country by learning how to dominate without even touching the ball. In four NBA seasons, however, he’s been known more for his offense.

According to Justin Verrier of ESPN, Davis responded to the criticism that he didn’t play hard enough on defense.

“I looked at it a little bit. I think I could have played harder. But like I said, that’s last year. I don’t even want to talk about last year. All of that’s irrelevant right now. I’m focused on this year. … When you have guys out there pushing, who want to win with you, it changes your whole mindset for the game, especially during games.”

He continued:

“People say I could have did this, that and the other thing. Do I agree? Sometimes. Maybe. I’m just focused on what I can do this year to make us better.”

Davis has the potential to be one of the all-time greats, but there areas in which he must improve—and that starts on defense.

Entering his fifth NBA season, Davis is already a three-time All-Star with an All-NBA First Team nod and an All-Defensive Second Team selection. Those accolades are often accumulated by a superstar entering their prime.

Davis has at least three seasons before he even approaches the point of reaching his peak level of ability.

The reality is, Davis has been unable to turn blocked shots into a truly dominant presence as a defensive anchor. New Orleans was No. 28 in defensive efficiency when he was a rookie, and although there have been improvements, there have also been regressions.

New Orleans was No. 25 in defensive efficiency in 2013-14, No. 22 in 2014-15, and No. 28 in 2015-16.

Davis has admittedly missed time, which influences those numbers, but New Orleans’ defense is far from elite. It’s ranked in the bottom third of the NBA in every one of his seasons, which is hard to process without placing some blame on the franchise player.

Davis is also the go-to player on offense, which alleviates some of the burden defensively, but superstar big men are tasked with getting the job done on both ends.

Standing at 6’11″—he grew another inch since last season—and 250 pounds with a near 7’6″ wingspan and guard-like athleticism, Davis certainly has the physical tools to excel

In 2015-16, the Pelicans allowed 107.3 points per 100 possessions when Davis was on the floor and 107.2 when he wasn’t. In other words, New Orleans had an abysmal defense, and he didn’t make a statistical difference.

Thus, the criticism.

In 2014-15, the Pelicans had a defensive rating of 103.3 with Davis on the floor and 107.1 without him. That’s much closer to what New Orleans needs from a player who should rank amongst the defensive elite.

For what it’s worth, 2014-15 was the one and only season during which Davis has led New Orleans to the playoffs.

It’s hard to knock a 23-year-old with career averages of 20.8 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.4 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game, but Davis needs to step up defensively.