Anthony Davis is one of the most dominant and skilled big men in the NBA today. Over his illustrious career, the 6-time NBA All-Star has made his mark as a truly exceptional talent. As a long-time fan of AD, I‘m thrilled to provide an in-depth look at his upbringing, legendary college career, NBA stardom and personal life.
| Full Name | Anthony Marshon Davis Jr. |
| Age | 30 |
| Birthday | March 11, 1993 |
| Birth Sign | Pisces |
| Born | Chicago, IL |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6‘10" |
| Net Worth | $60 million |
| Social Media | Facebook, Twitter, Instagram |
Early Life and High School
Anthony Davis was born in Chicago, Illinois on March 11, 1993. From a young age, Davis‘ tremendous size, coordination and athleticism for his height were evident. By high school, the 6’3” Davis was a basketball prodigy, leading his Perspectives Charter School team to a state championship in his junior season.
As a senior, the skilled big man averaged an eye-popping 32 points, 22 rebounds and 7 blocks per game. It was clear to everyone that Davis was a truly special talent in the making. He would outwork anyone in drills and shootaround, staying hours after practice to keep honing his game.
Davis drew comparisons to NBA greats like Kevin Garnett, modeling his game after the lanky, multidimensional big man. He wore #21 in high school and college as a tribute to his idol KG.
Dominance at the University of Kentucky
Anthony Davis arrived at the University of Kentucky in 2011 as the consensus #1 recruit in America. Joining John Calipari’s loaded Kentucky team, Davis made an immediate impact alongside fellow future NBA stars like Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Marquis Teague.
The phenom freshman led Kentucky to a dominant NCAA Championship run in 2012. Davis averaged 14.2 points, 10.4 rebounds and 4.7 blocks per game, terrorizing opponents on both ends of the floor. He swept the National Player of the Year awards and was named Final Four Most Outstanding Player after a legendary title game performance.
Watching Davis play at Kentucky was awe-inspiring. At nearly 6’11”, he moved like a guard, able to handle the ball, run the floor and shoot like a wing. But he also used his size to dominate the paint defensively in a way college basketball had rarely seen before. It was clear from his unprecedented freshman season that Anthony Davis was a generational talent.
Taking the NBA by Storm
Anthony Davis entered the 2012 NBA draft after his dominant freshman season and was selected 1st overall by the New Orleans Pelicans. He made an immediate impact, averaging 13.5 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game en route to a 3rd place finish in Rookie of the Year voting.
But it was only in his sophomore season that Davis truly exploded onto the NBA scene. In 2014, he averaged a stellar 24.4 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.9 blocks per game, earning his first of 8 (and counting) All-Star selections. He led the league in blocks and emerged as one of the NBA’s most promising young stars.
Over 7 seasons in New Orleans, Davis cemented himself as a top 10 caliber player in the league. He led the Pelicans to 2 playoff appearances and pushed the eventual champion Warriors to 6 games in 2018. Some career highlights from his time in NOLA:
- 4x All-NBA First Team (2015, 2017, 2018, 2020)
- 3x NBA blocks leader (2014, 2015, 2018)
- 3x NBA All-Defensive First Team (2015, 2017, 2018)
- 4x NBA All-Star (2014, 2015, 2017, 2018)
- Named MVP of the 2017 All-Star Game
Watching AD play during these years, you could see his meteoric rise into a bonafide superstar. His scoring arsenal expanded each season, as did his ability to take over games with his two-way impact.
Championship Pedigree with the Lakers
In 2019, Anthony Davis requested a trade from the Pelicans to play for a contender. He was eventually dealt to the Lakers in July 2019, joining forces with LeBron James. This blockbuster move paired 2 of the NBA’s top 5 talents together in Los Angeles.
Davis was nothing short of spectacular in his first season for the Lakers. He averaged 26.1 points and 9.3 rebounds on 50% shooting, finishing 2nd in MVP voting behind Giannis Antetokounmpo. In the playoffs, Davis shifted into an even higher gear, dominating both ends of the floor. He delivered a clutch buzzer-beater to seal the Western Conference Finals, leading the Lakers back to the NBA Finals.
Davis was simply unstoppable alongside LeBron, averaging 27.7 points, 9.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists in the Finals. He proved to be the missing piece that LeBron needed, helping lead the Lakers to their first NBA championship in 10 years. Holding the Larry O’Brien trophy and Finals MVP award, Anthony Davis had validated himself as a truly elite NBA superstar.
Playing Style and Personal Life
On the court, Anthony Davis blends exceptional skill with mesmerizing athleticism. At nearly 6’11” with a 7-foot 6-inch wingspan, he towers over most competitors. Yet Davis moves like a guard, able to handle the ball comfortably, run the floor and blow by defenders.
He can score from all three levels, dominating in the post, knocking down smooth mid-range jumpers and spacing the floor out to the 3-point line. His versatile scoring arsenal allows him to average over 23 points per game for his career. Davis is also a defensive anchor, using his length and instincts to shut down the paint.
Off the court, Davis keeps his personal life private. By all accounts, he is a humble, hard working family man dedicated to his craft. The Chicago native is active in charitable initiatives, including his Anthony Davis Family Foundation that promotes health and wellness for at-risk youth.
Entering his prime at 30 years old, the ceiling is truly limitless for Anthony Davis. With his rare blend of production and championship pedigree, he is building a resume as one of the best big men ever. It has been an absolute privilege watching AD‘s career blossom from his early days as a skinny phenom to his current status as an NBA champion. The legend of Anthony Davis continues to grow – and as a lifelong fan, I cannot wait to see what heights he reaches next.
