Top 30 athletes under 30

7. Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans – 22 years old

Tim Duncan is widely known as the greatest power forward of all-time. When it’s all said and done with Anthony Davis, that statement may no longer be true.

Davis was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft for a reason.

In his rookie year, he averaged a “cute” 13.5 points per game and 8.2 rebounds per game in 64 contests. But, in year two, Davis took his game to a new level. He averaged 21 points and 10 rebounds through 67 games. Davis also averaged 2.8 blocks and 1.3 steals per game.

What’s more impressive is the offensive evolution he’s undergone. In three years, Davis has completely fixed his jump shot. It’s hard enough to guard him in the paint, but being forced to step out 15 feed to 18 feet and guard his jumper is ridiculous.

At 6-foot-10, 220 lbs, he’ s a physical freak. Though the funny thing is his growth spurt didn’t come until his junior year of high school, so he was groomed to be a guard until life said, “Here, Anthony, be a giant for the rest of your days.”

He very easily could have been named the Defensive Player of the Year the last two seasons, though Kawhi Leonard and Joakim Noah were good choices, too.

If Davis’ career lasts half as long as his unibrow, he’ll give Duncan a run for his money. Of course, if Duncan never retires, that could be much more difficult than previously anticipated.

Next: No. 6 Dez Bryant