NBA Rumors: New Orleans Pelicans May Sit Anthony Davis For The Rest Of The Season


The New Orleans Pelicans have dealt with a lot of injuries this season, and it has certainly hurt them on the court. Now, with only a very slim chance of making the playoffs, it looks as if their best player is about to be done much earlier. Rumors are flying around the NBA that Anthony Davis is about to be shut down. The Pelicans could indeed sit him for the rest of the season.

With a record of 25-43, New Orleans has not had the season they were hoping for, or that they would have. Many expected them to compete for a playoff spot, but numerous injuries and a number of losing streaks have kept them out of the race.

ESPN is reporting that Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry does realize that the best thing for Davis could be for him to be done in the 2015-2016 season.

“I wouldn’t say no to that. I wouldn’t say no to that. I think we’ve gotta be smart collectively, along with him. And like I said, I think we’ll know a lot more after they talk to the doctors today. And then I think there can be some decisions made. I think that’s something that he would definitely have to consider.”

On Friday night, the Pelicans lost 117-112 to the Portland Trail Blazers and they played the entire second half without Davis. He ended up banging knees with CJ McCollum of the Blazers and has already had to deal with knee and leg issues this season.

nba rumors new orleans pelicans sit anthony davis injury
[Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images]
As Anthony Davis is dealing with a sore left knee, NOLA.com reports that shutting him down for the final 14 games of the season isn’t a bad idea. The playoffs are virtually out of reach for the Pelicans, and there is no sense in risking further injury to the franchise player.

New Orleans had a practice on Saturday and Anthony Davis was in attendance, but he did not participate at all. The Pelicans play next on Sunday when they face the Los Angeles Clippers, but Davis is already listed as “out” on the injury report.

While the sore knee was not listed as the reason for him being ruled out of Sunday’s game, it is thought to be a reason. Gentry also said that Davis is dealing with a shoulder injury that has lingered for some time this year.

“I think it’s something that’s kind of been there. We’ll have a lot more information, I think, after today, after talking.”

Davis has only missed seven games this season, but has been removed early from five more. If he were to play in the final 14 games this season, it would be the most he’s played in since entering the league in 2012.

As of now, his most games played in a season came last year with 68. If he doesn’t play in another game this season, he’ll finish with 61 games played.

nba rumors new orleans pelicans sit anthony davis injury
[Image by Rob Foldy/Getty Images]
As it currently stands, Anthony Davis is averaging 24.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2 blocks-per-game in a little over 35 minutes-per-contest. That’s right under his career high in points-per-game (24.4 in 2014) and is a career high in rebounds-per-game.

Anthony Davis is far from the only injury issue that the Pelicans have dealt with in trying to get to the playoffs.

Combined, Pelicans players have missed a total of 222 games due to injuries this season. Add on personal absences and illnesses, and that number rises to 228. With injuries to Davis, Eric Gordon, Tyreke Evans, Ryan Anderson, Jrue Holiday, and others, the Pelicans lead the NBA with 33 different starting line-ups this season.

If the New Orleans Pelicans decide to shut down Anthony Davis and sit him for the rest of this season, it would likely be the best decision. With the NBA playoffs out of reach, there is no sense in risking further injury to their star player when there really isn’t anything left to play for.

[Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images]

Share this article: NBA Rumors: New Orleans Pelicans May Sit Anthony Davis For The Rest Of The Season
More from Inquisitr