Anthony Davis: What Hornets Must Do to Ensure Likely No. 1 Pick Doesn't Bust

Anthony Davis isn’t bust-proof.

If the New Orleans Hornets do indeed select the Kentucky Wildcat with the first overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft, they must surround him with a talented core that will allow him to succeed.

Here are players that NOLA should lock up this offseason who would benefit Davis’ progression.

1. Kendall Marshall

New Orleans owns the 10th overall pick in the draft, and with it, they should select North Carolina’s Marshall. Without freakish athleticism, he doesn’t boast an incredibly high ceiling, but his jaw-dropping skill set, sky-high basketball IQ and leadership make him the ideal floor general.

Marshall is one of the safest prospects in the class, and there won’t be a better passer that enters the league for years.

Can you say, "Alley-oops all day"?

2. Eric Gordon

Losing Gordon to free agency would be disastrous. New Orleans must match any opposing offer and sign the scoring machine to a contract this summer.

According to ESPN, Gordon said earlier this offseason, “I do like New Orleans. It's a pretty good city with good fans and it's a good organization. They've got all the cards. But I wouldn't mind (going back).”

Gordon is only 23 years old and is capable of being the No. 1 scorer for a contender—his presence would free up Davis from frequent double-teams on the offensive end.

3. (Insert Offensive Spark Free Agent’s Name Here)

A core of Davis, Gordon, Marshall, Emeka Okafor, Trevor Ariza, Jarrett Jack, Gustavo Ayon, Jason Smith and a developing Al-Farouq Aminu doesn’t look too bad on paper.

They’re still in need of a scoring boost, though.

Even if they sign Gordon to a massive long-term contract, they still have a ton of cap room left to sign a notable free agent. Adding a top-notch sixth man such as Louis Williams, O.J. Mayo—if the Memphis Grizzlies let him walk—or even Nick Young would take the Hornets to another level.

Davis needs to be surrounded by offensive weapons because right now, he’s extremely raw and won’t be a force on that end for a couple years.

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

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