It’s no secret that Anthony Davis is one of the most unique and gifted players the league has seen in quite some time.
In just his third season in the NBA, Davis helped the New Orleans Pelicans reach the playoffs for the first time since the 2010-2011 season. Despite getting swept by the Golden State Warriors in the first round, Davis had a coming-out party of sorts, averaging 31.5 points on 54 percent shooting from the field, 11 rebounds, two assists, 1.3 steals and three blocks.
Still only 22 years old, Davis is just starting to scratch the surface of what he has the potential to become. General manager Dell Demps is well aware of the treasure that is on his roster and wasted no time in signing the future megastar to a max deal as soon as the calendar hit July. Here’s Davis announcing the big news on his twitter account:
NOLA, I am here to stay! Just getting started… #6MoreYears #TakeFlight pic.twitter.com/Kni8WpikEA
— Anthony Davis (@AntDavis23) July 1, 2015
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports, Davis signed a five-year, $145 million maximum contract extension.
Davis’ play on the court is well worth that kind of money, as his league-leading 30.8 PER may indicate. The only cause for concern is his ability to stay on the court. In his first three seasons in the league, Davis has averaged only 66 games due to an assortment of freakish injuries and has yet to play 70 regular season games.
Brandon Jennings, who is always good for a reaction or two when it comes to subjective matters, was on hand to react to the big news. He appeared to be surprised by the amount Davis received, but not for the reason you may be thinking:
Dawggggggggggg AD got 145mill 5yrs!
— BRANDON JENNINGS (@BrandonJennings) July 1, 2015
He deserve More!!!!!!!!!
— BRANDON JENNINGS (@BrandonJennings) July 1, 2015
Jim Park is a blogger and editor of Sheridan Hoops. Follow him on twitter @SheridanBlog.