LAS VEGAS – During a Wednesday appearance on the “Jim Rome Show,” Dell Demps told the radio host that New Orleans three-time All-Star forward Anthony Davis is on schedule to return to playing soon, after he’s spent the offseason rehabilitating from a left knee procedure in March. The 23-year-old was shut down for the remainder of the 2015-16 regular season, also in part due to a torn labrum in his left shoulder.
“He ended up not having surgery on his shoulder,” Demps said on the national radio show, while spending this week in Las Vegas for summer league. “We had several specialists take a look at it, and they thought it’d be better for it to just heal on its own. On his knee, we expect him to be fully cleared in early August. He’ll begin basketball activity in August. He’s already shooting right now. For training camp, we expect him to be 100 percent and ready to go.”
Despite being hampered physically before the decision was made to end his ’15-16, Davis averaged 24.3 points, a career-best 10.3 rebounds and 2.0 blocks.
Asked about Davis’ impact over his four-year NBA career, Demps said the Kentucky product and former No. 1 overall draft pick in ’12 continues to make progress, partly due to the player’s work ethic.
“He’s picked up muscle strength. He’s become more of a leader,” Demps said, listing some of the strides made by Davis. “He came into the league as a shot-blocker with offensive potential. He can keep going and adding to his game. The sky’s the limit for him. He’s putting in the time. He’s really committed to the organization. He comes back to town and is working out in the summertime, with the coaches. He’s always calling, seeing what he can do to help, as far as bringing players to New Orleans and the city.”