The New Orleans Pelicans, and their fans for that matter, will have their fingers crossed as they attempt to lock up one of the biggest stars in the NBA in Anthony Davis.
At just 22 years old, AD is no longer considered an up-and-coming star. The third year man is already a two-time NBA All-Star and one of the best rim protectors in the league, leading the NBA in blocks over the past two seasons.
With each passing year, there are draft picks, especially first overall picks, who are oozing with potential, and therefore come into the league with huge expectations. While there are times those expectations aren't exactly met, and there are other times that a decent rookie season keeps the drafting teams hopes alive. It isn't very often that a player supersedes those expectations. Anthony Davis is the perfect example of expectations being superseded.
Davis has shown growth and development in both his game and his body since being selected first overall in the 2012 draft. His rookie season would see a 6'10", 212lb Davis play for an atrocious Hornets team, miss substantial time with injury, and watch Damian Lillard take home Rookie of the Year. In his sophomore season for the now Pelicans, a 6'10", 225lb Davis would make the All-Star game and lead the league in blocks. This season a 6'10", 240lb Davis would lead the league in blocks, make the All-Star game, and lead the Pelicans to the playoffs for the first time since 2011.
It's no surprise that after a three-year career like Davis has had that the Pelicans, or any other team that might have drafted him, would be ready to offer Davis a max contract.
Pelican fans were definitely pleased in late 2014 when Davis was quoted saying that he "loved" his situation with the Pelicans. Davis also stated he loved the city of New Orleans and the atmosphere.
The best thing that the Pelicans organization and fan base can hope for is that Anthony Davis pulls a Tim Duncan and plays his entire career in a Pelicans jersey. While right now it seems like wishful thinking, if the Pels land AD with a max contract, they will definitely be off to a good start.