|
 Davis, 22, is a transcendent talent whose skills defy his power
forward position. But the only thing growing faster than his list of
credentials is his medical report.
The New Orleans Pelicans third-year player has already been
sidelined for a total of 47 games in his young career, and his
absence teases the NBA of its most unique standout.
"Since I've been here we've been dealing with injuries," Davis told
Reuters following the Pelicans' loss on Sunday to the Los Angeles
Clippers.
"Guys are going are going to get hurt. That's the NBA, you have to
deal with adversity and still find a way to win."
Davis returned Sunday from his latest two-game absence due to a
rolled ankle and again showed why he is such an appetizing player.
He moves the floor like a 6-foot-10 gazelle and scores seamlessly
from inside or out.
Already a two-time All Star, Davis has taken another leap forward
this season with averages of 24.6 points, 10.4 rebounds and a
league-leading 2.9 blocks per game.
Davis also tops the NBA in Player Efficiency Rating, which measures
a collection of stats and a player's overall value to his team.
That makes it all the more disheartening for the league and the
Pelicans that he has occasionally been a no-show.
New Orleans (37-33) is flirting with their first playoff berth since
2011 but they have fallen three games behind Oklahoma City for the
final Western Conference spot as their group has been devastated by
team-wide injuries.
[to top of second column] |
"Our top guys have been out a lot of the time throughout the season.
It's been tough," said Pelicans guard Eric Gordon. It's taking a
toll. When we're all healthy it makes the game a lot easier."
The game would undoubtedly be easier for Davis if not for separate
ailments this season to his chest, toe, groin, shoulder and ankle.
His injury woes may be emblematic of a bigger issue for the NBA
which, this year alone, has seen extended absences from league faces
LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin, Kobe Bryant and Carmelo
Anthony.
But no player has a brighter future than Davis who is awaiting the
day his health and potential finally come together like his
signature unibrow.
(Editing by Frank Pingue)
[© 2015 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
Copyright 2015 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
 |
