Russ Isabella – USA Today Sports Images
Success and the 2012-2013 NBA season did not go hand-in-hand for the New Orleans Hornets this past season. The now Pelicans finished the season with just a 27-55 record, the fifth worst record in the entire league. Though it was a rough year overall for New Orleans, the performance of rookie Anthony Davis undoubtedly provided the franchise with some hope for the future.
Davis showed just how valuable and versatile a player he is and can develop into during his rookie campaign. In the 64 games he played, starting 60, he averaged 28.8 minutes per game and put up 13.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, one assists, 1.2 steals and 1.8 blocks per game. Davis was also notably efficient on offense, converting on 51.6 percent of his field goal attempts. He also posted a wonderful Player Efficiency Rating of 21.80.
There’s really no denying the fact that Davis showed that he deserved to be the number one pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, even if he will probably not win Rookie of the Year because of Damian Lillard. Davis has shown terrific skill defensively and with his rebounding and has shown much more offensive ability early on than many people expected. He also just turned 20 years old, meaning he has enormous upside.
As the Pelicans next year, New Orleans needs to continue to develop Davis, particularly on the offensive end of the floor. He played quite well offensively this season, but his opportunities were somewhat limited, taking just 10.6 shot attempts per game. Davis also had a usage rate of just 21.5 percent, only the fifth highest of players in New Orleans’ regular rotation. Given that it was his rookie year, that’s somewhat understandable.
Using Davis as little as they did this season is unacceptable for them to do next year, though. Davis has worlds of potential on offense with his length and touch around the rim. He has the chance to be a dominant force on both ends of the floor if New Orleans develops him correctly. The start of developing him the right way begins with making him a bigger part of their offense next season. It’s something that, without a doubt, is necessary for this team’s future.
Cody Williams is a Senior NBA Writer with Rant Sports. Follow Cody on Twitter @TheSizzle20 and like his Facebook page.
