Anthony Davis didn't enter the professional ranks as an overlooked prospect. He was the undisputed number-one selection in the 2012 NBA draft, holding a basketball pedigree that turned the franchise formerly known as the New Orleans Hornets—rebranded as the New Orleans Pelicans the following year—into an immediate center of attention. The competitor url slug suggests an "undrafted" narrative, which is historically inaccurate; Davis was a generational prospect whose rapid transformation from a high school guard into a towering 6-foot-10 defensive anchor shaped the modern NBA frontcourt.
Understanding his trajectory requires looking past the misconception of a hidden gem and examining how a single college season at the University of Kentucky under John Calipari forged a superstar. This analysis breaks down his foundational growth, his dominance in New Orleans, the roster challenges that defined his tenure, and the ultimate legacy he left in Louisiana before moving on to capture titles elsewhere.
The Rise at Kentucky and the 2012 Draft Hype
Before stepping foot on an NBA court, Davis experienced a massive physical growth spurt during his high school years at Perspectives Charter School in Chicago. He shot up roughly eight inches in a short window, transforming from a 6-foot guard into a long, agile big man who retained guard-like coordination and court vision.
In his single collegiate season with the Kentucky Wildcats, Davis put together one of the most decorated freshman campaigns in NCAA history. He earned Consensus National Player of the Year honors, led the Wildcats to a national championship, and anchored a historic defense by blocking 186 shots—an NCAA freshman record.
When the New Orleans Hornets won the NBA draft lottery in 2012, the prize was obvious. Selecting Davis with the first overall pick wasn't a gamble on untapped potential; it was the acquisition of a cornerstone talent expected to revitalize professional basketball in the Gulf South.
Establishing Dominance in New Orleans
Davis made an immediate impact in his rookie season, earning NBA All-Rookie First Team honors despite battling minor injuries. As the franchise transitioned its identity to the New Orleans Pelicans ahead of the 2013-14 season, Davis made his statistical leap.
He secured his first of multiple NBA blocks-leader titles and earned his first career All-Star selection during the 2013-14 campaign. His combination of shot-blocking timing, perimeter mobility, and efficient pick-and-roll scoring created nightmares for opposing defenses. By the 2014-15 season, Davis earned his first All-NBA First Team selection and guided the Pelicans to their first playoff appearance of his era, sweeping national attention with a stellar postseason debut against the eventual champion Golden State Warriors.
Key Milestones with the Pelicans
- Rookie Foundation (2012-13): Averaged over 13 points and 8 rebounds per game, establishing defensive intensity right away.
- First All-Star & Scoring Growth (2013-14): Led the league in blocks per game while lifting his scoring average past 20 points per night.
- All-NBA First Team & Playoff Debut (2014-15): Finished fifth in MVP voting and solidified his status among the league's top five players.
- All-Star Game Record (2016-17): Scored an iconic 52 points in the 2017 NBA All-Star Game in New Orleans, setting the all-time scoring record for the exhibition.
- Second Playoff Series Win (2017-18): Dominated the Portland Trail Blazers in a first-round sweep, averaging over 30 points and 13 rebounds in the postseason.
Roster Construction and the Pressure to Win
Despite individual brilliance, the primary hurdle in New Orleans was front office stability and supporting cast construction. While general managers tried to pair Davis with complementary pieces like Jrue Holiday and DeMarcus Cousins, injuries and depth issues repeatedly stalled the team's momentum in a brutal Western Conference.
The 2017-18 season offered a glimpse of what was possible when the roster clicked. Sweeping Portland in the first round demonstrated that Davis could carry a team on the biggest stage. However, subsequent injuries and a lack of sustained roster continuity left the front office struggling to convince Davis that a long-term championship window existed in New Orleans.
By the midpoint of the 2018-19 season, tension peaked, culminating in a formal trade request that altered the trajectory of both the player and the franchise. In July 2019, Davis was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he immediately won an NBA championship in his first season. Meanwhile, the trade package from Los Angeles—featuring Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, and multiple draft picks—stocked the Pelicans with the young assets needed to jumpstart their next generation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Anthony Davis ever actually undrafted?
No. Davis was the consensus first overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft, selected by the New Orleans Hornets. The misconception often stems from internet search confusions or mistaken identity regarding players who carved out unexpected paths to the league.
What team did Anthony Davis play for before the Lakers?
Davis played his entire early professional career for the New Orleans franchise, starting as the Hornets in 2012 and transitioning to the Pelicans in 2013, before being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2019.
What are Anthony Davis's primary achievements with New Orleans?
During his seven seasons in New Orleans, Davis earned multiple All-NBA First Team selections, three blocks titles, multiple All-Star nods, and led the franchise to two playoff appearances, including a sweep in the 2018 Western Conference First Round.
How did the Anthony Davis trade impact the Pelicans?
The trade sent a massive haul of young talent and draft capital to New Orleans, providing the foundational pieces that shaped the franchise's roster for the next decade. You can read more about historical roster asset management on NBA.com.
