Anthony Davis
The undisputed king of the Smooth, whose gravity reshaped New Orleans basketball forever.
Anthony Davis stands as the most dominant and transformative figure in New Orleans Pelicans history, serving as the franchise's cornerstone during its formative years following the relocation from Charlotte. Drafted first overall in 2012 by the then-New Orleans Hornets, his arrival marked a new era of hope and high expectations for the city of New Orleans. Known affectionately by fans simply as "AD," he defined the team's identity through an unprecedented combination of elite scoring, rim protection, and defensive versatility that had never been seen from a player of his size in the modern NBA.
- Defensive Player of the Year
- 2019-20 (with Los Angeles Lakers)
Lore & Background
Beyond the statistics, Davis became synonymous with resilience in New Orleans. He carried the weight of a city's hopes on his shoulders, battling through injuries while maintaining an elite standard of play that drew national attention to the franchise. His partnership with Jrue Holiday and later Jrue's departure set the stage for a narrative of loyalty and sacrifice. Even after his eventual trade to Los Angeles in 2019, which remains one of the most debated moments in franchise history, his legacy as the Pelicans' greatest player is cemented. He established the standard by which all future big men in New Orleans would be measured.
In Their Own Story
The arena lights hummed low above the hardwood, casting long shadows across the court where Anthony Davis stood alone at the free-throw line. The air was thick with the scent of popcorn and anticipation, a familiar mix for any Friday night in the Bayou. He bounced the ball once, twice, his eyes locked on the rim that had seen him rise from a rookie sensation to an All-NBA titan. With a deep breath, he launched the shot; it swished through the net with a sound that echoed like a promise kept. In that moment, surrounded by the sea of black and gold, AD was not just a player; he was the heartbeat of New Orleans.
Reader's Guide
Anthony Davis entered the NBA as the first overall pick in 2012, immediately becoming the focal point of the Pelicans' rebuild. During his tenure from 2012 to 2019, he averaged 24.8 points and 10.5 rebounds per game for the franchise, setting numerous team records that still stand today.
His individual accolades during this period were historic, including five NBA All-Star selections, four First Team All-NBA honors, and the 2019 Defensive Player of the Year award. He led the league in blocks multiple times, establishing a defensive wall that made New Orleans one of the toughest arenas to play in.
Davis's impact extended beyond numbers; he transformed the Pelicans into a respected force in the Western Conference. His ability to dominate both ends of the floor defined an era where the team consistently fought for playoff positioning. Even now, his jersey number 23 is revered as the symbol of excellence for the franchise.
Did You Know?
- Anthony Davis was selected first overall by the New Orleans Hornets in the 2012 NBA Draft out of Kentucky University.
- He won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in the 2019-20 season while playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, not New Orleans.
- Davis holds the franchise record for most points scored in a single season with the Pelicans.
- He was selected to six consecutive NBA All-Star games from 2014 to 2019.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Anthony Davis and when did he join the Pelicans?
Anthony Davis, known as 'AD,' was selected first overall in the 2012 NBA Draft to become the franchise's cornerstone following its move from Charlotte. He quickly established himself as the most dominant figure in team history during his tenure with New Orleans.
What specific role and skills did Anthony Davis bring to the team?
Playing primarily as a power forward or center, he revolutionized the position by combining elite scoring ability with unprecedented rim protection and defensive versatility. His unique skill set allowed him to control both ends of the floor in a way never before seen from a player of his size.
What are Anthony Davis's major individual accolades while playing for New Orleans?
During his time as a Pelican, he earned five NBA All-Star selections and four First-Team All-NBA honors. He also achieved the pinnacle of defensive recognition by winning the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2019.
Why is Anthony Davis considered so important to the franchise's identity?
His arrival marked a new era of hope and high expectations, effectively defining the team's identity through his gravity and transformative presence. He remains the undisputed king of New Orleans basketball for reshaping the city's sporting landscape forever.
How did Anthony Davis's tenure with the Pelicans conclude?
After years of serving as the primary engine for the franchise, he eventually left New Orleans to pursue other opportunities in his career. His departure marked the end of an era where he was the singular focal point for all Pelicans basketball.