Anthony Davis turns 22 today, so we thought we’d evoke a certain emcee, who was actually an old man when he spit “22 Two’s.” OK, so at 26 Jay wasn’t exactly collecting social security, but the precocity of Davis can’t be forgotten. Especially when you consider what he’s accomplished since coming into the NBA as the No. 1 pick in the 2012 Draft.
1. Brow’s sporting the eighth-highest Player Efficiency Rating (PER) in NBA history. That’s freakin’ blistery.
2. He’s leading the league in blocks per game. And seems to care more about getting better than any sort of fame.
3. He’s the only player this season to average over two blocks per game, and over a steal per game. Doc Rivers should hang his head in shame.
4. There’s only been one player at this age to average over 24 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks per game: Shaq. All other 21 and 22 year-olds in NBA history are just wack.
5. Because Davis played one year of college ball, just like John Wall, he’s not as prone to injury as the straight-from-high-school crowd. The NBA’s argument to raise the age limit another year just got more loud.
6. Davis has already won an Olympic gold. And an NBA legend has already put him in bold.
7. “AD is not like anybody I’ve ever seen,” says his coach. Perhaps an MVP will be broached?
8. He was a McDonald’s All-American. Every time he takes the court, we see a spike in our adrenaline.
9. This season, he’s No. 1 in field goals attempted and field goals made. While also being quick to aid.
10. He was named MVP of the 2012 NCAA Final Four. His defensive presence other teams abhor.
11. Brow was named an NBA All-Star before he could legally drink. He might turn into the NBA’s youngest MVP before you can blink.
12. He can snatch any ball in the stadium and get it through the rim. While you can barely hear yourself over the New Orleans din.
13. He beat the Greek Freak. Which is just another reason Joakim Noah called him a freak.
14. Bang him on the shoulder all you want. He’s got a physique most would flaunt.
15. Someone might write a column about him finally stepping up, or some other such and such. But he’s already proven to be quite clutch.
16. Davis can do it on both ends of the floor. So please don’t be a bore as he adds to his lore.
17. Ant’s field goal percentage has risen year after year after year. But he’s barely reached his potential, let’s make that clear.
18. Despite his escalating offensive efficiency, he’s lowered his turnover percentage in every season. Calling him overrated, borders on treason.
19. Since his arrival, New Orleans’ offensive and defensive ratings have been going in opposite directions. But if you’re going to talk about the Hall of Fame, please use discretion.
20. He guarantees a Kentucky win in March. We’ll never forget how he trademarked his unibrow’s arch.
21. In case you forget he’s always looming. It wasn’t too long ago, his Pellies were glooming.
22. Words and rhymes shortchange Davis’ game. If you never get to watch him up close, it’s really a shame.