LeBron: Anthony Davis can 'be one of the greats'
Back in November, LeBron James said that he believed Anthony Davis was an elite player and had the makings of a superstar. Fast forward just a month, and Davis has proven James correct quicker than most anticipated.
James was once again effusive in his praise of Davis on Friday as the Cleveland Cavaliers and New Orleans Pelicans squared off. The Pelicans would win largely without Davis, who left with a chest contusion, but James was nonetheless emotive about the Unibrowed wunderkind.
"For him to be as young as he is," James said of the 21-year-old. "He plays above his age, and that's part of the reason he can continue and probably be one of the greats to play this game. He's been spectacular in every facet of the game this year."
The excitement James has for Davis' potential is completely understandable and seems to be shared all around the league. Still in just his third season, Davis is averaging 24.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.9 steals and a league-best 2.7 blocks through 22 games, ranking among the league's early MVP candidates.
Ranking among the all-time greats by the end of his career will depend as much on injury luck and longevity as his ultimate upside, but the early returns are alarmingly positive. Even just a quarter of the way into year three, Davis has become one of just six players to total 2,700 points, 1,400 rebounds and 350 blocks by the end of their age-21 season.
A second All-Star appearance and the forthcoming handfuls of MVP votes should further solidify Davis as the game's most eminent rising superstar.