The Washington Wizards traded for Anthony Davis knowing he was no guarantee to stick long-term because it was a shot to land an elite talent at a discount. Washington hasn’t had an All-Star or All-NBA selection since Bradley Beal in 2021. AD isn’t a fringe All-Star. He made the 75th Anniversary Team and is an all-time great. Even at 33 years old, AD is still elite on both ends. The Wizards haven’t had a player like that since John Wall.
Wall finished second-team All-Defense in 2015 and was third-team All-NBA two years later. The five-time All-Star was an elite creator and absolute bucket. Wall averaged 23.1 points, 10.7 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.0 steals in his peak 2016-2017 season. Injuries quickly derailed things, but Wall’s best numbers are an annual thing for Davis.
AD is coming off an injury-riddled season where he played just 20 games. The superstar still averaged 20.1 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.7 blocks, and 1.1 steals per game. Davis is an elite scorer and defender. He will be in the running for All-Star, All-NBA, and All-Defense if he stays healthy.
Anthony Davis is a forgotten superstar heading into this season
AD has played fewer than 65 games in seven of the last eight years. The rule to qualify for awards didn’t start until the 2023-24 season. That year Davis played 76 contests. He was second-team All-NBA and first-team All-Defense. The last Wizards to meet those marks were Gilbert Arenas in 2007 and Larry Hughes in 2005.
Davis still produces monster numbers. It is his health that is holding him back from these honors. Being part of the Luka Doncic trade, then being dealt for a second time just one year later, has everyone sleeping on AD. He hasn’t been healthy and has bounced around, but the big man is playing for a contract.
Davis wants a max deal. The only way for the 33-year-old to earn one is to play like a superstar in 75-plus games. If that happens, some team will buy in because AD is a special talent.
Wizards haven’t had a star like Anthony Davis in a decade
It hasn’t been since John Wall a decade ago that Washington had a player who could be in the running for All-NBA and All-Defense. Beal is a Wizards legend, but he was not making the All-Defensive team. Davis is the best Washington big man since Elvin Hayes in 1980.
The Wizards are letting AD play power forward this season. That is his preferred position, but Davis can’t space the floor. He works best as a center with four shooters around him. Washington wants to exit their rebuild and has talent. Don't be surprised to see Davis playing plenty of minutes as the lone big man when the Wizards are trying to closeout a win.
No matter his position, AD will be an elite contributor. He is one of the league’s five best defenders even at 33 years old. The 6’10 big man can protect the rim, wreak havoc playing the passing lanes, and guard multiple positions. The Wizards literally haven’t had a defender like that since Elvin Hayes.
John Wall and Gilbert Arenas were elite offensive creators. Davis can score 25 points every night and make a few plays, but he isn’t going to be the lead creator. The Wizards traded for Trae Young to take on that role.
Washington gave up five draft picks, including two first-rounders, to get AD. They clearly believe in him, and franchises like the Wizards don’t have many opportunities to acquire one of the 15 most talented players in the world. They jumped at the chance because of Davis’ skill. He is their best player since John Wall and Washington’s best big man since Elvin Hayes. That is high praise, but it's the truth.
Davis is 33 with a lengthy injury history. This move could backfire, but building a contender takes risk. Washington took one on AD. It may turn into a total disaster or could look genius. It will all depend on how the Wizards' best player since John Wall performs in the nation’s capital. No matter what, DC supporters will have plenty to cheer about.
The Wizards are back and with three star-level talents. AJ Dybantsa has superstar potential, so Davis may not even be the best player on the team for long. Washington couldn't pass up the chance to acquire both players and trade for Trae Young. Talent wins in the NBA, which made trading for AD a no-brainer.
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