Fansided

New Orleans Pelicans smart to offer Anthony Davis a max contract

By Connor Muldowney

Apr 25, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) reacts after a score by the Golden State Warriors during the fourth quarter in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at the Smoothie King Center. The Warriors defeated the Pelicans 109-98. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 25, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) reacts after a score by the Golden State Warriors during the fourth quarter in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at the Smoothie King Center. The Warriors defeated the Pelicans 109-98. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The New Orleans Pelicans are likely to offer Anthony Davis a max contract this offseason. Is that a good idea or bad idea for the organization?

More from NBA

The New Orleans Pelicans made an improbable run to the NBA postseason this year and many rooted for them as underdogs to take down the Golden State Warriors. However, the Pelicans fell way short of their ultimate goal of upsetting the Warriors and making a run at the NBA Finals, getting swept by Golden State.

While the Pelicans struggled to keep up with the No. 1 seeded Warriors, Anthony Davis held his own and looked like one of the few bright spots for New Orleans.

As one of the best centers in the NBA, if not the best, Davis finished the season averaging 24.4 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.9 blocks per game — all are career-highs. He took off this season and proved that he is worthy of a huge contract extension this offseason.

With a year left on his rookie contract, Davis has been the subject of max contract talks after he played, and dominated, in his first-ever playoff series, averaging 31.5 points, 11.0 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per contest.

According to ESPN‘s Marc Stein, Davis looks to be one of the richest young players in the league with an upcoming contract extension looming. He is likely to receive an offer from the Pelicans after a strong third season with the team, which is rumored to be at least $140 million over five years.

Is he worthy of this big deal?

April 18, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) dunks the basketball against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the second quarter in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
April 18, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) dunks the basketball against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the second quarter in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Just take a look at the numbers and the progression he has made throughout his professional career, averaging 13.5 points and 8.2 rebounds his rookie season to upping that by 11 points and two rebounds this year.

The three-year vet will enter his fourth season at the age of 22 and many believe he is already the best and most dominant big man in the league. He is a shot-blocking machine, already recording over 500 career swats.

Davis has also joined an exclusive club as he joined Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain and Bob McAdoo as the only players to ever average at least 30 points and 10 rebounds in their first four playoff games.

It’s a pleasure to watch him play basketball as he is becoming more and more dominant with age and his maturity has taken off. While he entered the NBA as a lanky big man, he has become a long, strong scoring, rebounding and shot-blocking machine.

Next: Should J.R. Smith be Suspended?

More from NBA

Home/NBA