LOUISVILLE – Even though he was a SportsCenter regular this summer while playing for Team USA, word hasn’t necessarily traveled around the league yet about how much weight Anthony Davis added since the 2013-14 NBA season. Despite tipping the scales at 243 pounds, for now Davis is still temporarily listed as weighing 220. After a recent practice, Davis jokingly acted offended when a newspaper reporter incorrectly guessed that he’s up to 235.
“You’re taking shots at me!” the laughing 6-foot-10 All-Star power forward responded. “I’m 243!”
No matter how you list Davis’ weight, there’s no disputing that the 21-year-old has noticeably improved his upper body since last season. Pelicans coaches projected that Davis would naturally add muscle as he matured further into his 20s, but he’s already made significant strides, after spending extensive time in the summer weight training with Carlos Daniel, the team’s director of athletic performance.
Davis believes the extra girth has already helped him on the court, particularly when he faces opposing big men in the paint and around the basket. During his first two NBA seasons, Davis was sometimes pushed by defenders away from the spot he wanted to get to on offense due to his thin frame, but at the FIBA World Cup in Spain last month, he converted numerous and-ones.
“I feel a lot stronger and more confident making plays I never would’ve made last year,” he said. “And that just comes with confidence, just knowing that you got stronger and more confident in your game, driving ability and post-up ability. I definitely got a lot stronger and I definitely feel it.”
Davis possesses more length and athleticism than nearly every power forward he faces, allowing him to occasionally overwhelm his defender on pure talent alone. Pelicans coaches have worked with him to expand his offensive game, which has led to him being a more effective low-post player and ballhandler. The additional weight should help him hold his ground better against more muscular power forwards, such as David West and Serge Ibaka.
Of his offensive improvements, Davis listed “finishing through contact, catching the ball from the wing and taking a dribble and going to finish at the basket. (Instead of) someone knocking me off balance, now I’m knocking them off balance. I definitely feel like I got stronger, and by getting stronger, it definitely builds your confidence.”
Like in Saturday’s preseason opener vs. Miami, it’s probable Davis will not see extensive minutes during the Pelicans’ seven-game exhibition schedule. He only played 11 minutes against the Heat, not seeing the court again after the first quarter. Fifth-year head coach Monty Williams said he will monitor how much he relies on Davis and fellow FIBA World Cup participant Omer Asik in preseason, in response to both competing in high-pressure international games recently.
“Omer and AD have played a lot this summer already,” said Williams, a USA Basketball assistant coach under Mike Krzyzewski. “So I’ve got to watch how much I play those guys.”
Davis said he’ll support whatever decision Williams makes in terms of preseason court time, knowing that it’s most important to be rested and ready for Oct. 28, when the regular season begins vs. the Orlando Magic.
“It was a long summer,” Davis said, when asked about his preseason minutes. “I know my body (and Williams) was there with me (in Spain), so he’s probably feeling the same thing. I trust his decision. Whatever he wants me to do. I’m 21, so if he wants me to play, then I’m going to play. If he wants to get me ready for the season, then I’m more than happy to do that as well.”