NEW ORLEANS — Earl Boykins could get lost in that thing. The unibrow of Anthony Davis has been on display all season here in New Orleans, and lately, basketball's Frida Kahlo has shown the nation why he was the No. 1 pick last summer. In the past 10 games, entering Monday's matchup against Denver, the Kentucky product had averaged 16.1 points and 10.6 rebounds for the Hornets.
"He's gotten more comfortable with playing in tight situations — earlier this year, he wasn't as comfortable," Hornets coach Monty Williams said before tipoff. "He's learning how to use his quickness against guys who are stronger than he is, and he's learning how to play harder, and how that helps him in transition and defense.
"He's hit some big shots for us, he had a game-winning tip last week. So all that stuff adds to his experience. And he's picking up our system a lot faster — he's always been coachable — and in the last 30 games he's made this big jump for us."
Portland's Damian Lillard will likely win rookie of the year honors, but watching the 6-foot-10 Davis, who sprouted late in high school, it's pretty clear how dynamic he'll be in years to come for the Hornets, er, Pelicans. In the first half against Denver, he splashed a pick-and-pop jumper with ease. And he plays above the rim, JaVale-y.
"I think right now I see some Marcus Camby in him, though I think he'll probably be a better offensive player than Marcus," Denver coach George Karl said, comparing Davis to the former No. 2 pick in the draft who became a Denver defensive standout. "But he has the knack to rebound the ball, defend the basket and defend the paint at a high level. Offensively, I was told he played guard at a younger age, so I think he'll pick up those habits pretty quickly."
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