Anthony Davis: Trying to Break the Curse of New Orleans Hornets Big Men

When you look back at the entire history of the New Orleans Hornets—even going back to the days in Charlotte—there have only been two big men who have etched their names into the realms of Hornets history.

For the early beginnings of the franchise, it was Alonzo Mourning—the second overall pick of the 1992 NBA draft who averaged 21 points and 10 rebounds in three seasons in Charlotte.

Then, three years after relocating to New Orleans, the Hornets found their own diamond in the rough in former second overall pick, Tyson Chandler. He helped anchor the New Orleans defense in the post, and along with Chris Paul, helped lead the Hornets to one win away from the Western Conference finals.

Ten years after the Hornets moved to New Orleans, they are in position to grab the best big man in the NBA draft yet again.

And barring any coincidence from Mourning and Chandler, Hornets fans hope that Anthony Davis will not only stay longer than three years, but also bring a new culture and presence to a franchise whose fans are desperately looking for something to cheer for.

Let's face the facts: Ever since the Hornets moved to New Orleans back in 2002, the franchise and its fans have had to suffer multiple first-round exits, losing CP3 to the Los Angeles Clippers and suffering through one of the most disheartening natural disasters in history.

Not to mention that they were owned by David Stern and the NBA for a good portion of time...

Talk about adding insult to injury.

Despite all of the heartache and annoyances that the Hornets have gone through, they're still standing and still have one of the most loyal group of fans in the entire association. And now that New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson owns the Hornets as well, things are looking on the up-and-up for the loving franchise.

Hopefully starting with a name change—but that's an issue is for another day.

Say what you will about the outcome of the draft lottery, and if it was fixed or not. The point of that is moot as of this current day and time, and there's nothing anybody can do about New Orleans holding the No. 1 overall pick.

The Hornets are about to draft an athlete that's hard not to compare to any of the greatest centers ever. If you had to draw a comparison, it would have to be Mourning, or maybe Patrick Ewing. They were emphatic on both sides of the floor and had a great outside-inside game. Not to mention they could hit their share of outside shots.

But with all due respect to the two Georgetown legends; they were never this athletic, they couldn't jump out of a gym like Davis can and surely didn't have the wingspan and all-around presence that the National Player of the Year has at his disposal.

If you look back at history, there isn't anyone that can be comparable to Davis. Going back to the days of George Mikan, Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain; up until guys like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Hakeem Olajuwon, Shaquille O'Neal and now Dwight Howard; can anyone remotely compare to this guy?

From the looks of things, absolutely not. And everyone forgets that when he was in high school, he was a 6-foot guard who stood in the corner and shot three-pointers all the time. In five years, he grew almost one foot taller.

How do you combat that?

He's 6'10" with a 7'3" wingspan and can not only abuse you in the post with his athleticism and smart play, but beat you with a jump shot from 15-18 feet.

What center has there been, in the modern era, that can do that?

His game is so unusual and seems so dominant, that you would have a tough time finding someone who can stop him. Obviously, he's not going to come in right away and give you 20 points and 10 rebounds a night, but what about the future?

If you think of the top five centers in the game right now, none of them truly have an offense that's so lethal—and other than Dwight Howard and perhaps Roy Hibbert, is there a better shot blocker in the NBA?

I would go as far to say that in three or four years, Anthony Davis could possibly wind up being one of the best centers in the game, maybe even the best period.

That's right: the unibrow could be the best in the league, and could rival Superman.

That's the kind of player that the New Orleans Hornets are about to have in their possession. Anthony Davis is one of a kind.

But rest assured: If the Hornets don't start winning basketball games starting this upcoming season, and especially the one after that, things aren't going to look pretty in the Big Easy. The rebuilding of the Hornets begins once again—it starts with drafting Davis, and then re-signing Eric Gordon to a long-term contract.

If New Orleans can make Davis a happy man, then he should make New Orleans a happy city.

Just start winning...or he may be gone in three years, too.