Anthony Davis won a gold medal with Team USA in the 2012 Olympics. (Credits: IMAGN)
The last time Anthony Davis was part of Team USA for the Olympic Games was in 2012. Twelve years later, Davis will return to the national team after being named to the 2024 Paris Olympics team.
Davis might not have received a ton of playing time during the London Games, but this time around, the one-time NBA champion is one of the most important players on Team USA’s roster.
The nine-time All-Star boasts a unique skillset and is probably one of the best two-way players in the world. The Lakers superstar can post up and has a mid-range jump shot which forms a huge part of his offensive arsenal.
On the defensive end, Davis is a menace. He is one of the best rim protectors and his shot-blocking ability is elite. What makes Davis a defensive monster is his unrivaled skillset to guard players on the perimeter.
When on the floor, the Lakers’ center is often the one marshaling the troops on the defensive end by constantly communicating and guiding his players. The former No.1 pick is excellent in rebounding the basketball and creates numerous second-chance opportunities by crashing the glass on the offensive end.
Anthony Davis could give a major headache to opposition teams, both with his precise offense and suffocating defense in the Olympics.
1 glaring Anthony Davis stat
There is one particular stat that highlights the dominance of Anthony Davis. The former New Orleans Pelicans poster boy has averaged at least 24 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks in seven NBA seasons (min. 50 games played).
Only Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal (9) has had more seasons with the aforementioned numbers. Davis, meanwhile, is tied with Kareen Abdul-Jabbar for the second position (according to NBA.com).
Davis was the second-best player behind his Lakers teammate LeBron James during the five showcase games leading up to the Summer Games. The 31-year-old led all Team USA players in rebounds (49) and blocks (15).
Anthony Davis averaged 11.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, 1.0 steals and 3.0 blocks through the five showcase games. He came off the bench during the tune-up games and Joel Embiid got the nod from coach Steve Kerr to start the games.
The Lakers center’s production was not compromised despite him rocking with the second unit. Upon witnessing Davis’ dominance, there has been a massive cry from the hoops fans, urging coach Kerr to insert the one-time NBA champion in the starting lineup.
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