Davis expected to start season without restrictions

New Orleans Pelicans power forward Anthony Davis should be medically cleared to begin the 2016-17 campaign without restrictions, general manager Dell Demps told a group of season-ticket holders Wednesday, according to NOLA.com's John Reid.

Confirmation of that expected timeline is good news for the franchise and its star player, who was shut down on March 20 of last season due to knee and shoulder injuries. Davis subsequently underwent a procedure on his left knee, but did not require surgery on the shoulder.

The three-time All-Star has never played more than 68 games in his four-year NBA career. He's been working out with Pelicans teammates in Los Angeles over the summer.

Davis and Co. are entering a big season. After increased expectations accompanied the hiring of coach Alvin Gentry last year, injuries caused the team to stumble to a 30-52 record. With the departure of players like Eric Gordon - and with Tyreke Evans and Jrue Holiday sidelined at least temporarily due to injury and family matters, respectively - the pressure remains squarely on Davis to book a playoff spot in a competitive second tier of the Western Conference.