Anthony Davis: The Shot-Blocking King of New Orleans
Since their establishment in 2002, the New Orleans Pelicans have seen plenty of talented players suit up, but no one has defined their defensive identity quite like Anthony Davis. A generational two-way force, Davis almost singlehandedly owns the Pelicans’ shot-blocking record books. Let’s take a look at his five most dominant single-season performances in blocks per game.
2014-15 Season – 2.9 BPG
In just his third year, Davis became the NBA’s most feared rim protector. Averaging 2.9 blocks per game, he led the league while also putting up 24.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.5 steals. His well-rounded dominance earned him an All-Star nod, All-NBA First Team honors, fourth place in Defensive Player of the Year voting, and fifth in MVP voting.
2013-14 Season – 2.8 BPG
The year before, Davis had already made his mark by leading the NBA in blocks per game (2.8). He paired that defensive excellence with 20.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 1.3 steals, securing his first All-Star appearance and finishing eighth in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
2017-18 Season – 2.6 BPG
By the 2017-18 campaign, Davis was at the peak of his powers. He again topped the NBA in shot-blocking (2.6 BPG) while reaching a career-high scoring average of 28.1 points. Add in 11.1 rebounds and 1.5 steals, and it’s no surprise he landed on the All-Star roster, finished third in DPOY voting, and placed third in MVP voting.
2016-17 Season – 2.2 BPG
Even in a season where he didn’t lead the league, Davis was still an elite defender. With 2.2 blocks per game, he continued to anchor the Pelicans while also averaging 28.0 points and 11.8 rebounds. His overall dominance earned him All-NBA First Team honors for the second time in his career.
2015-16 Season – 2.0 BPG
After leading the NBA in blocks the previous two years, Davis still swatted away shots at an elite level, averaging 2.0 BPG. He rounded out his production with 24.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals, securing yet another All-Star selection and finishing ninth in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
Legacy in New Orleans
In his seven seasons with the Pelicans, Davis rewrote the franchise record books. Across 466 games, he averaged 23.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.4 blocks, and 1.4 steals, while making six All-Star teams and three All-NBA First Teams. Few players in league history have combined shot-blocking, scoring, and rebounding at such a high level — cementing Anthony Davis as not just the Pelicans’ greatest rim protector, but one of the NBA’s all-time defensive forces.
From New Orleans Pelicans shirts
⏩ You may also love: Orlando Magic Shirts
