Anthony Davis: Where Was He In 2017?

Alright guys, let's dive into a question that might have some of you scratching your heads: what team did Anthony Davis play for in 2017? It’s easy to get a bit fuzzy on player timelines, especially with all the trades and player movement in the NBA. But don't worry, we're here to clear things up. Anthony Davis, or AD as he's affectionately known, has been a dominant force in the league for a while now, and his journey has taken him through some iconic franchises. If you're wondering about his 2017 season, you're in the right place. We'll break down exactly where this superstar was playing, what his role was, and maybe even touch on some of the key moments from that year. Understanding a player's history, especially a talent like AD, helps us appreciate their entire career arc and how they became the player we see today. So, grab your favorite team's jersey, settle in, and let's take a trip back to 2017 to pinpoint Anthony Davis's team!

The Brow's Reign in New Orleans: 2017 and Beyond

So, to directly answer your burning question, Anthony Davis was playing for the New Orleans Pelicans in 2017. Yeah, that's right. Before he was making waves in Los Angeles with the Lakers, AD was the undisputed centerpiece of the Pelicans franchise. Drafted in 2012 as the first overall pick straight out of Kentucky, he spent his first seven seasons with the team that drafted him. The year 2017 falls squarely within this significant period of his career. During the 2016-2017 NBA season, which is what we're really looking at when we talk about '2017', Anthony Davis was the franchise player for the Pelicans. He was already establishing himself as one of the league's most dominant big men, a walking double-double with incredible defensive capabilities and an offensive game that was constantly evolving. We're talking about a player who, even back then, was generating MVP buzz and was a perennial All-Star selection. His presence alone made the Pelicans a team to watch, even if they weren't always consistent championship contenders during his tenure there. It’s important to remember that player development and team building take time, and AD was the cornerstone around which the Pelicans were trying to build a winning culture. He was tasked with carrying a significant load, both offensively and defensively, and he did it with remarkable consistency. The city of New Orleans had found its superstar, and fans were rallying around 'The Brow' as he led their team on the court. So, if you saw him on the court in 2017, you were watching him don the purple and gold of the New Orleans Pelicans, battling it out in the Western Conference. It’s a testament to his impact that even in 2017, he was already considered one of the premier talents in the entire NBA, a fact that would only grow more pronounced in the years to follow.

Davis's Impact on the Pelicans in 2017

When we talk about Anthony Davis playing for the New Orleans Pelicans in 2017, we're not just talking about him being on the roster; we're talking about his immense impact. In the 2016-2017 season, AD was absolutely carrying the load for the Pelicans. Despite injuries plaguing the team and a revolving door of supporting cast members, Davis consistently put up monster numbers. He averaged a stellar 28.0 points, 11.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.3 steals, and 2.1 blocks per game. These aren't just good stats; these are elite stats, the kind you see from players who are considered the very best in the world. His scoring prowess was undeniable, as he was one of the league's premier offensive threats, capable of scoring from anywhere on the court. But it wasn't just about putting the ball in the basket. Davis was also a defensive anchor, altering shots and dominating the paint. His defensive rebounding was crucial for controlling the pace of the game, and his ability to protect the rim was a major reason why the Pelicans were competitive, even when things weren't going their way. The team, led by Davis, finished the season with a 34-48 record. While not a playoff team, it was a significant improvement from the previous season, largely thanks to AD’s Herculean efforts. He was the undisputed leader, the guy who demanded double teams and created opportunities for his teammates, even if they couldn't always capitalize. The energy and effort he brought every single night were infectious, and it's clear that the Pelicans organization, and its fans, deeply appreciated having such a generational talent. His performance in 2017 solidified his status as a franchise cornerstone and a future Hall of Famer, showcasing a level of dominance that few players in NBA history have ever achieved at such a young age. It's a testament to his individual brilliance that he could achieve so much on a team that struggled with consistency around him, making his 2017 season with the Pelicans a truly remarkable one.

A Look Back at the 2016-2017 Season

Let's rewind a bit and really soak in what was happening with Anthony Davis and the New Orleans Pelicans in 2017. The 2016-2017 NBA season was a pivotal one for AD. He was entering his fifth year in the league, and by this point, he had already established himself as a bona fide superstar. He had made multiple All-Star teams and was already recognized for his incredible two-way ability. The Pelicans, however, were facing challenges. They had a new head coach, Alvin Gentry, and the team was still trying to find its identity and build a consistent winning formula around their star. Injuries were also a constant storyline. Key players around Davis often found themselves sidelined, which meant that AD had to shoulder an even heavier load. Despite these obstacles, Davis delivered a season for the ages. His individual statistics were phenomenal, as we touched on earlier. He was a leading scorer in the league, a top rebounder, and a defensive force. He was consistently putting up MVP-caliber numbers, demonstrating that he could carry a team on his back. The narrative around AD during this period was one of immense talent facing the challenges of team-building. He was the undisputed leader, the face of the franchise, and the player that opponents had to game plan for every single night. The fans in New Orleans adored him, and rightfully so. He gave them hope and excitement, even when the team's overall record wasn't spectacular. The games he played were must-watch events because you knew you were going to see something special. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor was truly unique, and it set him apart from his peers. In 2017, the Pelicans might not have been championship contenders, but they were certainly never boring with Anthony Davis leading the charge. His commitment to excellence and his sheer dominance on the court made that season, and indeed his entire tenure with the Pelicans, a memorable one for NBA fans.

The Pelicans' Supporting Cast in 2017

While Anthony Davis was the undisputed star for the New Orleans Pelicans in 2017, it's also important to acknowledge the supporting cast he had around him. A player of AD's caliber needs capable teammates to truly elevate a franchise, and while the Pelicans certainly had talent, consistency was often an issue during this period. In the 2016-2017 season, key players like Jrue Holiday were part of the team, providing solid playmaking and defense. However, Holiday himself dealt with injuries and personal matters that limited his availability at times. Other notable players who were part of the Pelicans roster around that 2017 timeframe included players like Tyreke Evans, who was a dynamic scorer when healthy, and Buddy Hield, who was acquired mid-season in a trade and brought promising shooting ability. DeMarcus Cousins would later join the team, forming a formidable frontcourt with Davis, but that monumental trade happened in February 2017, so his time with AD in New Orleans was relatively brief during that specific season. The team also featured veterans and role players who contributed in various ways, trying to provide the necessary depth and support for Davis. However, the narrative for the Pelicans in 2017 was often one of 'what if?' What if they could stay healthy? What if they could find more consistent scoring outside of AD? What if they could put together a more cohesive team effort? Despite these questions, AD's presence made them competitive night in and night out. He elevated the play of those around him and often had to do more with less. The Pelicans were a team that relied heavily on their superstar, and while they had players who could contribute, the overall depth and consistency of the supporting cast were often cited as reasons why they struggled to climb the standings in the Western Conference. Nevertheless, these players were a crucial part of the Pelicans' journey in 2017, working alongside AD to try and bring success to New Orleans.

Anthony Davis's Future Beyond 2017

Looking ahead from Anthony Davis's time with the New Orleans Pelicans in 2017, it's fascinating to see how his career unfolded. The 2017 season marked a period where AD was clearly the franchise player, and the expectations for the Pelicans were to build around him and compete. However, as we know, the NBA landscape is constantly shifting, and player movement is a huge part of the story. After the 2017 season, the Pelicans continued to try and build a competitive team around Davis. The acquisition of DeMarcus Cousins in February 2017 was a major move, creating what many believed would be a dominant frontcourt duo. However, injuries to both players and the team's overall struggles meant that the pairing never quite reached its full potential. The persistent theme for Davis in New Orleans was his incredible individual performance contrasted with the team's inability to consistently compete for championships. This ultimately led to his trade request. In January 2019, Anthony Davis officially requested a trade from the Pelicans. This set in motion a period of intense speculation and a blockbuster deal that would eventually send him to the Los Angeles Lakers in the summer of 2019. Joining forces with LeBron James, Davis immediately transformed the Lakers into championship contenders. He helped lead them to an NBA championship in the 2019-2020 season, finally achieving the ultimate team success he had long sought. So, while 2017 found AD firmly entrenched in New Orleans, his trajectory was always pointing towards superstardom on a national stage, and eventually, championship glory. His journey from a dominant young star in New Orleans to a champion in Los Angeles is a testament to his talent, his drive, and his ultimate goal of winning at the highest level.

The Trade to Los Angeles

We've established that Anthony Davis played for the New Orleans Pelicans in 2017, but his journey didn't end there. The trade that sent him to the Los Angeles Lakers is one of the most significant moves in recent NBA history. After years of carrying the Pelicans and expressing a desire to contend for championships, Davis was eventually traded to the Lakers in a massive deal that occurred in June 2019. The Pelicans received a package that included Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and multiple first-round draft picks, including the No. 4 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. This trade marked the end of an era for both Davis and the Pelicans franchise. For Davis, it was the opportunity he had been waiting for: to team up with LeBron James, one of the greatest players of all time, and form a new 'superteam' in Los Angeles. The move instantly made the Lakers legitimate championship favorites. The immediate impact was undeniable. In their first season together, the 2019-2020 season, Anthony Davis and LeBron James led the Lakers to an NBA championship, defeating the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals. Davis delivered a masterful performance throughout the playoffs, showcasing his two-way dominance on the biggest stage. This championship was a culmination of years of hard work and a testament to his decision to join forces with another superstar. The trade wasn't just significant for the players involved; it reshaped the entire landscape of the Western Conference and the NBA as a whole. It signaled a new era of player empowerment and the formation of 'Big Threes' (or 'Big Twos' in this case) as a viable path to championship contention. So, while 2017 was firmly in the Pelicans' chapter, the seeds of this seismic shift were being sown as Davis continued to assert his dominance and desire for ultimate team success.