Now in his fifth NBA season, New Orleans forward Anthony Davis, 23, has experienced a vast number of career highlights at the professional level, dating back to June 2012, when he was the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. He’s been selected to three consecutive All-Star Games, made game-winning baskets, emerged as the Pelicans’ all-time leader in blocks, along with countless other accomplishments.
Most memorable moments in the NBA: “Playing in the All-Star Game for the first time. With it being here in New Orleans (in 2014) that was very special. Also playing in the playoffs (in 2015) was amazing. From last season, the 59-point game at Detroit was something I will remember for a long time.”
Most memorable dunk in the NBA: “The one I had where I dunked on Glen Davis seems to be the one people talk about the most.”
Most embarrassing moment in the NBA: “I don’t know if too many people noticed it, but there was a game last year where there was a foul called, so the play stopped, but I tried to dunk it and came up short on the rim. My teammates still remind of that now.” [smiles]
Most surprising thing about the NBA as a rookie: “How fast the game is compared to college. Everything happens so quickly on the court and it’s something you need to adjust to.”
Toughest player to face at his position: “There are so many guys who are tough guards, but I’d go with Zach Randolph. He’s so good at using his body to get positioning around the basket. When he gets to his spot, he can’t be moved out of the way.”
Most underrated players in the NBA: “A couple of the guys I think of first are two who play here, Langston Galloway and Jrue Holiday. Watching Langston with New York, he was also a solid player on both ends of the court, good defensively. I think some people appreciate Jrue, but I don’t think in general he gets recognition for how good of a player he is.”
Best uniforms in the NBA (besides the Pelicans’): “I’m a colors guy. I like Golden State’s colors a lot. Also, Cleveland has kind of an old-school blue jersey I really like that has this unique design under the end of the word ‘Cavaliers.’ ”
Favorite road arena: “Golden State’s Oracle Arena, because of the atmosphere, which is always loud and exciting. It makes it a great place to play.”
Favorite road trip, based on the city: “Chicago, because it’s home and I get to see family and friends.”