Apr 4, 2014; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz center Derrick Favors (15) defends against New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) during the first quarter at EnergySolutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
1.New Orleans Pelicans
Evolution At Its Brow-Raising Finest: Anthony Davis
Elite In Their Own Special Way: Jrue Holiday, Tyreke Evans
Everyday People: Austin Rivers, Jimmer Fredette
Their Mother’s Love Them: Luke Babbitt, Darius Miller, Jeff Withey, Patric Young
Who else was going to top this list, really? The Pelicans are absolutely stacked with 25-and-under players.
Even if I were to allow Durant, Westbrook, Rose, and Love onto the list, the Pelicans would still challenge for the number-one ranking. Well, never mind, OKC would be nearly impossible to beat with their lineup of Durant, Westbrook, Ibaka, and Reggie Jackson. Yeah, nobody’s beating that. Still, New Orleans has an incredibly impressive lineup that they’ll be showcasing proudly for seasons to come.
Anthony Davis: the guy is a beast. He’s the future of the NBA, and in my opinion the third most valuable asset in the league behind only LeBron James and Kevin Durant. What’s really sickening is that this kid is only 21 years old. Last year in only his second season, “The Brow” averaged 21 points, 10 rebounds, and nearly 3 blocks per game.
For a little perspective, let’s look at Kevin Garnett’s 2nd season stats from the 96-97 season: 17 points. 2.12 blocks, and 8.03 rebounds. Yeah. That pretty much says it all.
Anthony Davis might be talented enough to vault the Pelicans to the top of this list all by himself, but luckily for New Orleans, he doesn’t have to. Helping his cause are former all-star, Jrue Holiday, and former Rookie of the Year, Tyreke Evans.
With how long they’ve both been in the league (5 seasons) it’s hard to believe they’re both young enough to make the list. I have to mention Eric Gordon as well even though he doesn’t technically qualify for the list (December, 1988). His added talent only makes the Pelican’s overall talent level even more ridiculous.
Rounding out the Pelicans’ depth chart are Jimmer Fredette and Austin Rivers. Both these cats came into the league with much acclaim but have yet to really find their place. Jimmer was on top of the college basketball world in 2010-11 season where his fame rose to Beatles-like levels thanks to his boyish charm and the seemingly infinite range on his jump shot. And Rivers, the son of legend Doc Rivers, was a top recruit coming out high school, and impressed in his lone season under Coach K and the Duke Blue Devils.
The NBA has not been kind to either Fredette or Rivers, but if they can pull it together, they’ll help the Pelicans grow from potential playoff team to a permanent playoff staple.
Ladies and gentleman: the New Orleans Pelicans, kings of the 25-and-under hill and our NBA Talent Rankings.
But the Pelicans better watch their backs. The Wolves are coming.