Anthony Davis' Age In 2018: How Old Was The NBA Star?

Hey guys! Ever wondered how old Anthony Davis was back in 2018? Well, you're in the right place! Anthony Davis, also known as "AD" or "The Brow" because of his distinctive unibrow, has become a household name in the NBA. By 2018, he had already established himself as one of the league's premier players. Let's dive into the details of his age during that year, his career milestones leading up to it, and what he accomplished in 2018.

Anthony Davis: A Quick Intro

Before we get to 2018, let's have a quick recap of who Anthony Davis is. Born on March 11, 1993, in Chicago, Illinois, Anthony Marshon Davis Jr. showed immense potential from a young age. Standing tall and possessing incredible athleticism, he quickly rose through the ranks. Davis played college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats, where he led his team to an NCAA championship in 2012. His outstanding performance made him the first overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft by the New Orleans Hornets (later Pelicans).

Anthony Davis' Age in 2018

So, how old was Anthony Davis in 2018? Since he was born on March 11, 1993, that means in 2018, Anthony Davis was 25 years old. He turned 25 in March of that year, making him a young, yet established superstar in the NBA. At 25, many players are just entering their prime, and AD was no exception. He had already showcased incredible talent, but there was still plenty of room for growth and improvement. Imagine being only 25 and already being one of the top players in a professional league! That's Anthony Davis for you.

Career Milestones Leading Up to 2018

Before we zoom in on 2018, it's worth looking back at the milestones that shaped Davis' career up to that point. After being drafted in 2012, he quickly became the face of the New Orleans franchise. His early years were marked by impressive individual performances. He consistently put up high scoring numbers, grabbed numerous rebounds, and blocked shots with an astounding frequency.

Early NBA Years

In his rookie season (2012-2013), Davis averaged 13.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game. Though he was still raw, his potential was evident. He earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors. As he progressed, his game evolved rapidly. By the 2014-2015 season, Davis was already considered an MVP candidate, averaging 24.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and a league-leading 2.9 blocks per game. He led the Pelicans to the playoffs that year, showcasing his ability to carry a team.

Building a Legacy

The following years saw Davis continue to improve his skills. He developed a more refined offensive game, extending his range and improving his post moves. Despite his individual success, the Pelicans struggled to consistently contend in the competitive Western Conference. This led to increased pressure on Davis to elevate his team's performance. He earned multiple All-Star selections and All-NBA honors, solidifying his status as one of the league's elite players. However, team success remained elusive, making 2018 a crucial year for Davis and the Pelicans.

Anthony Davis in 2018: A Year of Highs and Lows

So, what did Anthony Davis achieve in 2018? At 25 years old, he was at the peak of his physical abilities and basketball IQ. The 2017-2018 season was a roller coaster for both Davis and the Pelicans. Let's break down the key moments and stats.

Regular Season Performance

During the 2017-2018 regular season, Anthony Davis continued to dominate. He averaged 28.1 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game. These numbers were among the best in the league, reaffirming his status as a top-tier superstar. His scoring ability became even more versatile, with improved shooting from beyond the arc. Defensively, he was a force to be reckoned with, protecting the rim and disrupting opponents' offensive schemes.

All-Star Recognition

In February 2018, Davis was selected to his fifth consecutive NBA All-Star Game. Playing in front of his home crowd in New Orleans, he put on a show, scoring 52 points and earning the All-Star Game MVP award. This performance was a testament to his incredible talent and popularity among fans. It also served as a reminder of his commitment to the city of New Orleans.

Playoff Run

The 2018 NBA playoffs were a significant moment in Anthony Davis' career. After years of struggling to make deep playoff runs, the Pelicans finally found success. They finished the regular season with a 48-34 record, securing the sixth seed in the Western Conference. In the first round, they faced the Portland Trail Blazers, who were led by Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. Despite being the underdogs, the Pelicans swept the Trail Blazers in four games, with Davis leading the charge. He averaged 33.0 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game in the series, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.

In the second round, the Pelicans faced the Golden State Warriors, who were the defending NBA champions. Despite a valiant effort, the Pelicans lost the series in five games. However, Davis continued to shine, averaging 27.8 points, 14.8 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game. Although they didn't advance further, the 2018 playoff run was a significant step forward for Davis and the Pelicans.

Individual Accolades

In addition to his All-Star Game MVP award, Anthony Davis earned several other accolades in 2018. He was named to the All-NBA First Team for the third time in his career, recognizing him as one of the top five players in the league. He also finished third in the MVP voting, behind James Harden and LeBron James. These honors highlighted his impact on the game and his value to the Pelicans.

The Impact of 2018 on Davis' Career

2018 was a pivotal year for Anthony Davis. At 25, he demonstrated his ability to lead a team to playoff success and dominate on both ends of the court. The playoff run showed that he could perform at an elite level in high-pressure situations, solidifying his reputation as a superstar. However, the loss to the Warriors also highlighted the need for additional talent around him to compete for a championship.

The events of 2018 likely influenced Davis' decision to eventually request a trade from the Pelicans. While he enjoyed individual success in New Orleans, he desired to compete for championships. His move to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2019 allowed him to partner with LeBron James and pursue his championship aspirations, which ultimately led to an NBA title in 2020.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! In 2018, Anthony Davis was a 25-year-old basketball phenom at the height of his game. He achieved individual accolades, led the Pelicans to a successful playoff run, and solidified his status as one of the NBA's top players. This year was a crucial chapter in his career, setting the stage for future successes and ultimately influencing his path to becoming an NBA champion. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the sport, it's clear that Anthony Davis has left an indelible mark on basketball history. Keep following his journey, and who knows what amazing things he'll accomplish next!