John Calipari: Pelicans' Anthony Davis could be NBA's best player in 5 years

Anthony Davis was spectacular last season for the New Orleans Pelicans. He averaged 20.8 points, 10.0 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per game while posting a 26.54 PER.

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And with Davis incredibly being just 21 years old, there’s only reason to believe he’ll get better.

But just how good can Davis be?

Well, Davis’ former coach at Kentucky, John Calipari, said the big man could become the NBA’s best player in the next half-decade, according to Sam Amick of USA Today Sports.

"“Right now, you look at (Davis) and say, ‘Man, in five years, he could be the best player in the NBA,’ ” Calipari said. “And this USA Basketball stuff pushes that date sooner. Again, here’s what it does for him: how to work, new things to add to his game, and confidence like, ‘These are the best in the world, so I’m all right.’ “"

Davis will absolutely be regarded among the NBA’s elite soon enough, but reaching “best player” status won’t be easy. Kevin Durant will be just 30 in five years and still in his prime. LeBron James will be 34 at that time, but there’s no greater athletic freak than him, so it’s at least possible James could still be running the league then.

Still, Cal’s point is well taken. Davis is a star at just 21 and it’s hard not to get excited about what he could possibly become.

The Pelicans selected Davis with the No. 1 pick in the 2012 NBA Draft.

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John Calipari: Pelicans’ Anthony Davis could be NBA’s best player in 5 years

By Sam Richmond | Aug 29, 2014