Can Anthony Davis Keep It Up?

[jonathanlambert33]

Anthony Davis is on fire right now. In his last eight games, he has achieved at least 28 points and 9 rebounds. How rare is that accomplishment? In the past 29 seasons (all the further Basketball Reference allows those parameters to be searched), Shaquille O'Neal did it twice, once in 2000 and again in 2001. Karl Malone did it once. That is the entire list. All of it. Add in AD's 1 block per game and no one has accomplished it in eight straight games except the Unibrow. Did I mention this started before he was able to buy a drink?

The streak is one thing, his consistent high performance dating back to nearly the All-Star game has been less documented. Taking a peek at his game log shows that he is taking it to another level. Davis has played 16 games since the All-Star Break. In one (@ Dallas on February 26th), Davis was injured in the second quarter, scoring just 6 points while corralling 9 rebounds in just 13 minutes. In two other games (@ Clippers on March 1st and @ Kings on March 3rd), Davis was either in foul trouble from the tip (LAC) or just ice cold (SAC). Three pretty rough games for a variety of reasons.

Take a look at his Basketball Reference game log. We have his three bad games all with single digit game scores. Read more about Game Score here. Since the Charlotte game (when AD really took off), he also has 11 games with a game score of 21 or better. In those 11 games, Davis has scored at least 26 points and snagged 9 rebounds in each. Looking at the NBA Leaders and wondering how it is Davis that averages more points per game than Dirk Nowitzki, Damian Lillard, Kyrie Irving, and John Wall? This supernova stretch is why.

http://www.thebirdwrites.com/2014/3/23/5538764/streaking-through-the-record-books

 

[elcheato]

Absolutely, everyone was talking about his defensive potential on draft night and leading up to it, but I always brought up his diverse offensive skill set. It went ignored because he didn't showcase it all in college and because of the imposing shot blocking ability but if you studied his high school game, it was evident he was going to be an elite offensive player in the more open space of an NBA game. Similar situation to Kyrie (strictly talking offense) and his brief college career, with Davis being more talented and a little bit easier to project

 

[jonathanlambert33]

It's scary that he's not even done yet. Said he's going to work on his post game, his ball handling, and 3pt shot this offseason.

 

[Mexi]

I mean, if we had a draft right now with all players and all contracts even, he might be first overall

Probably 2nd behind KD, but then again, 5 years younger...

 

[Elite]

You're crazy if you think someone takes AD over LeBron

 

[CameronCrazy06]

You're crazy if you think someone takes AD over LeBron

 
I might be the biggest LeBron hater on the board and even I agree with this.

 

[Mexi]

Lets see, lebron for 8 more years or Davis for like 15?

Closer than you think

But im as high on AD as nola is probably

 

[Elite]

I'm extremely high on AD and have been since he was at Kentucky, has the skill-set of a young KG, but I still wouldn't take him over LeBron

 

[jonathanlambert33]

LeBron
KD
AD

 

[elcheato]

Honestly, in those 8 years you could probably expect 5 title appearances. Would you get that out of Davis in 15?
I'd probably take Davis though for the 15, but it's a dumb hypothetical. Do you prefer more title appearances in the short term or guaranteed good teams and playoff runs for a decade and a half? I will take the latter

 

[Mexi]

Then whyd you take rookie lebron in the sim league

Hes certainly top 3 in this scenario. I shouldnt have said hes probably 2nd, but a case could definitely be made

 

[elcheato]

I literally just said I'd take Davis in that post

 

[Mexi]

#lel

 

[Hurricane Season]

Lebron alone makes you an instant playoff team, and he probably will for at least 5 more years.  I'm not sure if you can get that from any other player in the league.