NBA Rumors: Can Anthony Davis Still Commit To New Orleans?

Wednesday night, November 23, New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis scored 45 points while nabbing 10 rebounds in an 117-96 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Davis, who with his stat line registered his NBA-leading third “45 points and 10 rebounds” performance of the season, has been on a tear all season. He’s been on a mission to prove he’s worth every penny of his five-year, 145 million dollar contract extension he was awarded the summer of 2015, which began this season. But, many have questioned whether someone with that large of an investment is worth keeping when the team isn’t performing up to expectations. Granted, the team has been playing much better after a 0-8 start. Last night gave the Pelicans their sixth win in their last eight games and fourth straight. But is Davis truly committed to the process that the Pelicans are still under? Davis, whether the answer is politically correct or not, stated he isn’t too concerned with the record his team has and just wants to compete.

“Losses piled up quickly this season because of an injury-depleted roster, and historic performances from one of the NBA’s best players weren’t enough. Around Davis, those inquiring about potential displeasure – even as far as a potential trade – are met by a strong-willed, loyal star committed to the franchise.

‘My desire to win here is the same,’ Davis told the Vertical. ‘I go out there and play. I don’t care what the record is. I just go out there and play. I have to lead this team and make sure my guys are always happy and high energy. I don’t care what people say about our team. They’re not in our locker room seeing us, not part of our group. That’s all white noise.'”

“I just try to control what I can: go out there and compete.”

One must wonder the validity of that comment. On the one hand, the Pelicans have a superstar, once-in-a-generation post player who can stretch the floor, have an inside game and dribble the ball as good as a point guard. But on the other hand, the investment the Pelicans placed on Davis could continue to hurt them. 100 plus million dollars in a small market such as New Orleans hurts the potential talent that could be brought in. Essentially, it’s Davis and then everyone else; a Jrue Holliday’s return has helped spark the four straight wins, but is he adequate to help Davis and the Pelicans reach new heights/fulfill their investment? Probably not.

If things don’t improve rapidly this season, it could be time for Davis to let his frustrations be known— that’s if he wants to eliminate the political correctness.

“Davis is in the first season of a five-year, $145 million contract extension signed in July 2015. The earliest he could become a free agent is the summer of 2020 by exercising a player option for the 2020-21 campaign. If there’s ever a time when you’d expect Davis to be locked in and fully invested in the franchise, it’s now. Period. Davis has no leverage in trade talks and publicly forcing one would damage his brand and he would instantly be criticized for bailing on a franchise prematurely.

“Davis remaining committed to the process in New Orleans isn’t shocking given his lack of options and leverage. The important time for Davis to reiterate these feelings will be in 2018 or 2019 when his leverage grows with free agency looming.”

It’s unfortunate that Davis is in this situation. Davis is having a career season, averaging 31.3 points, 10.7 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game while shooting 51 percent from the floor. For the NBA, he’s second in points and first in blocks per game. For a talent like Davis, it’s only a matter of time before the Pelicans either increase the talent around him or give Davis the opportunity to play somewhere else where he can consistently contend for an NBA championship.

[Featured Image by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images]