Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis is one of the best defenders in the NBA. He has been the anchor of Los Angeles’ defense for the past five seasons. While Davis was not named the Defensive Player of the Year, he was recognized as a member of the All-Defensive First Team last season.
Playing a career-high 76 games, Davis was able to demonstrate his defensive impact for an extended period. He averaged 2.3 blocks and 1.2 steals, giving him arguably the most complete season of his career.
While he didn’t win Defensive Player of the Year, Davis is one of, if not the, best big defenders in the league today. So much so that Washington Wizards No. 2 pick Alex Sarr studied the Lakers star and other rim protectors, via Mark Medina of Sportskeeda:
“I’ve studied the whole league, really. I just see how players defend. There’s a lot of different, great blockers. I’ve watched clips of AD (Anthony Davis), Jaren Jackson Jr. and Rudy Gobert. For me, it’s more about instinct and knowing when to go get the ball and when not to go get the ball.”
What makes Davis special is his agility as a 6-foot-2 center, as big men aren’t typically known for being able to move their feet well, especially on the perimeter. Sarr pointed to having that foot speed and the ability to time his block attempts as factors in his college choices:
“They slide very well with their feet. They know very well when they should go and when they shouldn’t go, so they’re not reckless blockers.”
While some voters were a little put off by the fact that they didn’t respect Davis as a defender, it’s reassuring to see a rookie admire him as a basket-protecting center.
As the Chicago native enters his prime at age 31, his game should only continue to improve. If Davis can solidify his position as a premier defensive center, other big man prospects could look up to him if they aspire to be dominant.
Anthony Davis says accountability is key for Lakers
This season is important for Anthony Davis and LeBron James because they don’t have many years left to play together. And given the lack of roster moves this offseason, Davis thinks Accountability will be key for Lakers if they want to compete for a championship.
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