Davis feels 'amazing' after participating in Pelicans practice

Anthony Davis took part in his first New Orleans Pelicans practice in six months Saturday, and the early reports sound promising.

"It felt amazing to be back on the floor with these guys," Davis said, according to ESPN's Justin Verrier. "It’s been a while. I think we had a great first day. I've got to learn how to slow down a little bit; we're playing really fast right now. But I like where we're at right now."

Davis was shut down in March of last season, undergoing left knee surgery shortly afterward. Pelicans general manager Dell Demps said earlier this month that the plan is to be careful with Davis in preseason, but have him ready without restrictions when the games start to count.

"In the beginning when you come back, you're scared to go up with power or anything like that, to be explosive," Davis said after participating in Saturday's two-a-day. "But when I'm out there, I just go. Whatever happens, happens. Today, everything felt great. I’m more explosive than what I was. I’m more powerful. I'm just happy to be back on the court."

Davis is looking to lead the Pelicans back to the playoffs after a disappointing 2015-16. The power forward has never played in more than 68 games in a NBA season, although last year he hit career highs in rebounds per game (10.3) and 3-point percentage (32.4) while averaging 24.3 points in 61 contests.