Post All-Star, Anthony Davis focused on getting healthy, making playoffs
Anthony Davis may have been sidelined for the 2015 NBA All Star weekend because of injury, but he was a whirlwind of constant motion, enjoying multiple appearances and intensely rehabbing his sprained right shoulder.
The Pelicans sent head athletic trainer Duane Brooks to New York City to work with Davis daily.
"I'm feeling better," Davis said. "I'm still doing treatment and rehab, trying to get right. We've got a game coming up on Friday, and I'm trying to be ready for it. We've got a couple of practice days before where I can see how it is against contact. Hopefully I'll be ready to play in Orlando."
The Pelicans kick off the second half of the season poised to make a run for the 8th and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Their competition: the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Phoenix Suns.
"The team's focus coming back from this break will be defense and playing hungry," Davis said. "We've got to remember that we're in a position to get that 8th spot, but not forget who were battling with: two great teams in OKC and Phoenix. They can both easily win. At the same time, on any given night, a team can lose in the West. It's tough, but we know who we are. We have to just keep doing what we've been doing all year: defending, rebounding, playing hard, brining energy and we'll be fine."
The Pelicans return to action with road games versus the Orlando Magic on Friday and the Miami Heat on Saturday.
"For them to get to come out and have fun with the people they consider their heroes, their idols â it's a blessing for all of us," Davis said. "I had a clinic this morning with the kids to teach them dribbling, passing, shooting. I had fun! The best thing about the weekend for me is seeing the smiles on their faces."
Despite the fact Davis couldn't play in the All Star game, thousands of reporters from around the world jammed into his official media availability. Unfazed by frigid temperatures, fans lined the block at Davis' individual autograph session, waiting to go inside to meet him.
"It's surreal," Davis said. "First off, it's really cold, so I wouldn't be waiting outside to get anyone's autograph in this weather. It's surreal- how far I've come and that fans would line up in cold weather just to get an autograph with me. Some people lined up really early in the morning. I'm definitely grateful and honored that fans look at me that way. It's a blessing, and I'm happy I could make everyone happy."
The NBA Skills challenge Saturday night was especially intriguing for Davis.
"The dunk contest was a great event," Davis said. "I like the way they brought it back to the old school way with every man for himself. I picked Zach LaVine to win, and he definitely delivered. He did what everyone thought he'd do. He was enthusiastic about all the dunks. He did a great job."
Davis paid particularly close attention to the three-point contest though. After sinking a game-winning three point shot on the road versus the Oklahoma City Thunder recently, Davis is determined to continue refining his game from beyond the arc.
"It was amazing," Davis said. "I picked Steph to win that one too, so I'm two-for-two. All those guys can shoot. Me and John (Wall) were on the bench talking, every time somebody shot, we had to say 'Ya â that's good, that's good.' They had the same rotation every time and the form was so perfect. Those were some great shooters right there."
MORE FROM FOX SPORTS SOUTHWEST:
- Five-star recruits who were never stars in college
- Ranking NFL quarterback salaries
- Oldest player on every NBA team
- Highest paid player of each NBA team
