Reason IV: Few Players are worth a King’s Ransom. Anthony Davis Is that player.
Anthony Davis is 23 years old, is playing in his fifth NBA season, and is about as good as an NBA player can be at his age. But the New Orleans Pelicans have not elevated the team’s play to reflect Davis’ talent.
PistonPowered
Since Davis arrived to the team as the first selection in the 2012 NBA Draft, the Pelicans have not found prolonged success.
In the 2012-2013 season, the team could only manage 27-55. The following season, the team did improve to 34-48. Finally, in 2014-2015, the team did manage to improve to 45-37 which was good enough for post-season. Unfortunately, the team never tasted a win as it fell 0-4 in playoffs against Golden State Warriors. Last season, the team fell back down to earth at 30-52. Finally, in the 2016-2017 season, the New Orleans Pelicans are just 20-32.
Not Just Good… Great
In his five season NBA career, Davis averages 21.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, 2.4 blocks, 2.2 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. He is a franchise player in its purest form. As such, he will be the type of player who will command an incredible combination of draft picks and solid player talent to even get the Pelicans to pick up the phone.
But the New Orleans Pelicans will NEVER pick up the phone to discuss trading Davis. Or will they?We know the Sacramento Kings have DeMarcus Cousins, and the Brooklyn Nets have Brook Lopez. Neither team seeks a trade of their start… but sometimes the NBA has a way of forcing the decision. Prolonged losing, combined with the player no longer seeing improvement in their team. Anthony Davis is not there with the New Orleans Pelicans….
Yet.