Anthony Davis: Bold Predictions for Hyped Rookie

Barring some unfathomable incident, Anthony Davis is just two days away from becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft.

He’s one of the most hyped big men to enter the draft since Blake Griffin, and someone with his defensive prowess hasn’t been taken that early since Dwight Howard back in 2004.

Obviously, there are going to be lot expectations for the Kentucky product to live up to starting in his rookie season.

Let’s take a look at some goals he has a great chance of achieving in 2012-13.

First-Team All-Rookie

This is an extremely obtainable goal for Davis, especially considering that the Hornets traded away Emeka Okafor and will allow the young man free reign in the paint.

If NOLA decides to draft a point guard with the No. 10 overall pick and the combination of that selection and Davis works out, he should be a high-scoring, as well as a defensively impressive, big man.

All-Defensive Team

The 10 best defensive players in the NBA get selected to one of the two All-Defensive teams each year and Davis could get lumped in with these prestigious players.

Elite PFs, like Tim Duncan, have found their way onto the team during their first season and went on to have outstanding careers and became regulars on the list during award season.

If the ‘Brow steps his game up, he could be making the first of many All-Defensive teams in 2013.

Rookie of the Year

The ROY Award is one of the toughest to garner in the league. Players only get one crack at it and have to play outstanding, land in a solid market and live up to the hype in order to get recognized.

If Davis can make enough plays on both ends of the court, plus drag the Hornets back to respectability, this award is within his reach.