Anthony Davis is different.
He's proven that on the court almost every game he plays. Right now the third-year pro is posting an eye popping stat line in almost every category: #1 in the NBA in blocked shots, #2 in points-per-game, #4 in steals-per-game, #8 in rebounds-per-game.
But what he's doing is off the court is equally impressive. Perhaps it's because he comes from a hard-working blue-collar family in Chicago that believes in living a principled life. Perhaps its because he wasn't identified as a star early. In fact, if it weren't for a growth spurt, Davis might still be remembered as a 5'9" awkward eighth grader who wore goggles and couldn't make a junior high All Star roster.
Now, he's an NBA mega-star in the making, and he hasn't forgotten where he came from.
Davis - as well as his mom, dad and sister - spent Thanksgiving serving dinner to those who came to eat at the Salvation Army in New Orleans. This is just the beginning. Davis is launching an initiative called the "Flight Academy" program, which puts Davis in the New Orleans community at least once a month, giving back to children and families in need, inspiring them to do more. â
"Giving back to the community is really important to me," Davis said. "I just decided to do something each month to give back in certain ways. Thanksgiving is in November, so we though it would be good to do a Thanksgiving dinner. Each month there will be something different."
Davis, who describes himself as "just a big kid," was clearly in his element, handing out basketballs, hugging little ones and engaging teenagers who wanted to test their skills.
"I like doing things like this," Davis said. "I feel like having the power to be able to give back, it's something that should be done."
This initiative is one that Davis wants to grow as time goes on.
"Hopefully, I can combine with some of my teammates next year and have it be even bigger," Davis said. "This is only the beginning."
