Anthony Davis Position By Year: A Detailed Breakdown

Hey basketball fans! Let's dive deep into the career of one of the NBA's most versatile players, Anthony Davis. A question I get asked a lot is what specific positions Anthony Davis has played throughout his career. So we are going to break down his position year by year. Known for his incredible scoring ability, rim protection, and surprising agility for a big man, Davis has been a force to be reckoned with since he entered the league. But pinpointing his exact position hasn't always been straightforward. He has been listed at both power forward and center, often playing a hybrid role that blurs the lines between the two. His unique skill set allows him to dominate in the post, step out and hit jumpers, and defend multiple positions on the perimeter. This versatility is a huge asset, but it also makes it challenging to define him as strictly one position or another. To truly understand Anthony Davis's impact, we need to examine his positional evolution over the years, looking at how his role has changed team by team. Let's jump into a detailed look at Anthony Davis's position year by year.

New Orleans Pelicans (2012-2019)

2012-2013: Rookie Season – Power Forward/Center

During his rookie season with the New Orleans Hornets (now Pelicans), Anthony Davis was primarily deployed as a power forward, but he often shifted to center depending on the lineup and game situation. The team wanted to ease him into the league, and playing alongside veteran players helped him adapt. Though officially listed as a power forward, Davis showcased his versatility by spending significant time at center, especially in smaller, faster lineups. His defensive prowess was immediately evident, blocking shots and disrupting opponents' offenses. Offensively, he focused on scoring in the paint and developing his jump shot. The breakdown of his minutes was roughly 60% at power forward and 40% at center. Anthony Davis averaged 13.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game, earning him All-Rookie First Team honors. This season set the stage for his future development as a dominant inside-outside threat.

2013-2014: Transition to Primary Center

In his second season, the Pelicans began to utilize Anthony Davis more frequently as their primary center. Recognizing his potential to dominate the paint on both ends of the floor, the coaching staff made a strategic decision to feature him in this role. While he still saw some time at power forward, particularly in certain matchups, his responsibilities increasingly revolved around playing center. This transition allowed him to take full advantage of his shot-blocking abilities and offensive rebounding skills. Davis excelled as the team’s defensive anchor, protecting the rim and deterring opponents from attacking the basket. His offensive game also continued to evolve, with a greater emphasis on post moves and pick-and-roll plays. Anthony Davis averaged 20.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game, solidifying his status as one of the league’s rising stars. The shift to center proved to be a turning point in his career, unlocking his full potential as a dominant force.

2014-2019: Hybrid Role – Power Forward/Center

From 2014 to 2019, Anthony Davis continued to play a hybrid role for the Pelicans, seamlessly alternating between power forward and center. His versatility became a defining characteristic of his game, allowing the team to exploit favorable matchups and adapt to different opponents. The coaching staff recognized that his unique skill set enabled him to thrive in either position, depending on the specific needs of the team. At power forward, he could utilize his athleticism and shooting ability to stretch the floor, creating space for his teammates. At center, he dominated the paint with his shot-blocking and rebounding prowess. Throughout this period, Anthony Davis consistently put up impressive numbers, averaging around 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game. He earned multiple All-Star selections and All-NBA honors, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier players. His ability to play both positions at an elite level made him a valuable asset, but the Pelicans struggled to build a consistent winning team around him. This ultimately led to his departure from New Orleans in 2019.

Los Angeles Lakers (2019-Present)

2019-2020: Championship Run – Power Forward

Upon joining the Los Angeles Lakers in 2019, Anthony Davis was primarily slotted in as the power forward, playing alongside center JaVale McGee and later Dwight Howard. This lineup allowed Davis to focus on his offensive game while still contributing defensively. Playing next to a traditional center freed him up to roam the court, exploit mismatches, and score from various spots. His partnership with LeBron James proved to be a match made in basketball heaven, as their combined skills and chemistry propelled the Lakers to the top of the league. Anthony Davis thrived in his role as the primary scorer and defensive anchor, averaging 26.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game. He played a crucial role in the Lakers' championship run, showcasing his ability to dominate on both ends of the floor. In the playoffs, he elevated his game even further, solidifying his legacy as a true superstar. The Lakers' success that season validated the decision to acquire him and highlighted the importance of his fit within the team's structure.

2020-2021: Injury-Plagued Season – Power Forward/Center

The 2020-2021 season was marred by injuries for Anthony Davis, which limited his ability to consistently play at his peak level. When healthy, he continued to play primarily at power forward, but the Lakers experimented with him at center in certain lineups. The team's performance suffered due to his absence, highlighting his importance to their success. Despite the challenges, Anthony Davis still managed to put up solid numbers when he was on the court, averaging 21.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game. However, his impact was noticeably diminished compared to the previous season, as he struggled to regain his rhythm and conditioning. The Lakers' inability to defend their championship title underscored the need for Anthony Davis to stay healthy and maintain his elite level of play.

2021-2022: Shift to Center

In the 2021-2022 season, with changes in the Lakers' roster, including the acquisition of Russell Westbrook, there was more emphasis on Anthony Davis playing center. The Lakers needed his size and defensive presence in the middle, and Davis embraced the role. However, injuries continued to plague him, limiting his time on the court. Despite the setbacks, Anthony Davis showcased his dominance when healthy, averaging 23.2 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game. His ability to control the paint and protect the rim remained a key asset for the Lakers. The team's overall struggles highlighted the need for better health and roster construction to maximize Anthony Davis's potential. The season underscored the challenges of building a successful team around an injury-prone superstar.

2022-2023: Predominantly Center

In the 2022-2023 season, Anthony Davis played predominantly at the center position for the Lakers. With improved health and a more stable roster, he was able to showcase his full potential. Playing alongside LeBron James and other key contributors, Anthony Davis thrived as the team's primary rim protector and offensive focal point. He averaged impressive stats, with 25.9 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game. His dominance in the paint and ability to score in various ways made him a nightmare for opponents. The Lakers made a strong push in the playoffs, with Anthony Davis playing a pivotal role in their success. His ability to stay healthy and perform at an elite level was crucial for the team's performance. This season solidified his status as one of the league's premier centers and demonstrated his ability to lead the Lakers to contention.

2023-2024: Continued Role at Center

As of the current 2023-2024 season, Anthony Davis continues to be the Lakers' primary center. His role remains pivotal to the team's success, both offensively and defensively. With his exceptional scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking abilities, he is a dominant force in the paint. The Lakers rely heavily on his presence to anchor their defense and provide a reliable scoring option. Anthony Davis's performance this season will be crucial in determining the team's chances of contending for a championship. His ability to stay healthy and maintain his elite level of play is paramount to the Lakers' aspirations. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching his contributions as the season progresses.

Conclusion

Throughout his NBA career, Anthony Davis has showcased remarkable versatility, playing both power forward and center at an elite level. His ability to adapt to different roles and positions has made him a valuable asset to every team he has played on. From his early days with the New Orleans Pelicans to his current role with the Los Angeles Lakers, Anthony Davis has consistently demonstrated his dominance on both ends of the floor. Whether he is scoring in the paint, blocking shots, or stretching the floor with his jump shot, he has proven himself to be one of the league's premier players. As he continues his career, it will be exciting to see how his role evolves and how he continues to impact the game. Guys, keep watching Anthony Davis, he's one of a kind!