Anthony Davis is a prime defensive presence
Although I may be hated upon immediately after writing this – who is truly to say that Bryan Colangelo will keep Andrea Bargnani until his contract expires? Who knows? Plus, if Bargs continues to play the way he has been and other teams get interested, he may bring in quite a good deal. Now, if that were to happen, it would be a good idea to take a look at the strong big men who are sure to rank high in the 2012 NBA draft.
One such big man is Anthony Davis out of the University of Kentucky. He is a power forward/center hybrid who stands 6’10” and weighs 220lbs. He is only a freshman but is already regarded as a tremendous post player with a good feel for the game and top tier defensive capabilities. He does need to work a bit on his post defence, refine his post play and fill out his frame as he continues his career, but hey, what rookie doesn’t?
Davis is already a candidate for being picked 1st overall in the draft and for a good reason. He is the average height for the positions he plays at 6’10” but he has elite length with a 7’4” wingspan. He has a great motor and can get out in transition. He runs the court as well as any other big and has fantastic leaping ability as well as speed and quickness. He has a high IQ for the game and looks calm out there. He is a natural playmaker and hustles constantly.
Davis is intimidating in the post and is a shot altering presence. He has great timing and anticipation, as well as fantastic defensive instincts. He’s very good at doubling in the post and is an excellent help defender. And what do the Raps need? Defence. What does Dwane Casey want? Defence.
Anthony Davis is a superb rebounder; something the Raps will want from him as well. He has great hands and gets multiple put backs in games as he is able to position himself well to get lots of offensive boards.
That being said, Davis does still need to put on some muscle; 15lbs at least to bang around in the post with NBA players like Dwight Howard. As it is, he would be easily overpowered. He is rather raw offensively and still hasn’t found his “go-to” move yet. He isn’t very strong with his back to the basket and needs to be more patient with his moves in the post. His jumper also needs some work. He’s known to get out of rhythm sometimes but keeps shooting anyway. His mid-range game is subpar at the moment. And as good a defender as he is, Davis does tend to bite on pump fakes and needs a bit more defensive discipline overall. That, however; is where an NBA level coach comes in (Like Dwane Casey). He’s not very physical currently and needs to improve his strength.
It is clear that Davis is a top two pick at the very least and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him go that early. He has cemented himself as a future star with performances like the McDonalds All-American game, where he scored 14 points, 6 rebounds and 4 blocks. And then of course, there was his showing at the Jordan Brand Classic where he posted 29 points, 11 rebounds and 4 blocks. Davis also ended his high school career averaging 32 points, 22 rebounds and 7 blocks during his senior year.
If Davis were to come to Raptors Nation, there would definitely have to be some moves with the team. Would it be worth it? It really all depends on how the other players are feeling about the team and how big of a deal could go down involving Bargnani and probably Jose or Bayless. But with Jonas V coming to town, the Raps seem unlikely to acquire another big man.
One thing is certain. You will be hearing the name Anthony Davis muttered around All-Star talk in the near future.
Final Thoughts
At his best: Chris Bosh/Marcus Camby
At his worst: JaVale McGee
imagine him and jonas valancuinas in the paint. no one world dare drive down the lane with them too once they gain strentgh