Anthony Davis Bulks Up, Adds 12 Pounds of Muscle Ahead of 2015-16 Season
This has been a busy summer for New Orleans Pelicans star Anthony Davis.
Not only did he receive a massive contract extension and work to improve his three-point game, but he also put in time working on his body.
According to Jim Eichenhofer of NBA.com, Davis has spent this summer adding bulk to his frame. The three-year NBA veteran has put on 12 pounds during this offseason, pushing him up to 253 pounds.
New Orleans fans should be thrilled, not worried, about the weight gain. Davis gained the 12 pounds through dieting and lifting, helping him add muscle to his frame. The " forward remains at 10 percent body fat.
Pelicans head strength and conditioning coach Jason Sumerlin detailed Davis' regimen to Eichenhofer:
"Our first phase was portion control. I wanted Anthony to eat more than he does, actually, because that's the only way to gain weight. You have to get more protein, more calories. He's never going to cut out pizza, but I finally got him to eat seafood, for the first time ever. He had salmon. He also has a chef now, so he's become more adventurous when it comes to food and his diet. Changing his diet is a huge thing and probably half the battle. ...
... He has been lifting consistently, doing all the small things perfectly and efficiently. We are more consistent in his lifts and his corrective exercises. He's lifted a lot more weight—he's stronger than he's ever been.
"
Davis had no problem dominating the league with his old body. He averaged 24.4 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.9 blocks last season. That performance earned him spots on the Western Conference All-Star team and the All-NBA First Team.
Despite putting his name in the NBA MVP conversation last season, Davis decided to work on his body this summer. What's that mean for the rest of the league?
“He’s going to be stronger, faster, quicker and more explosive this year,” Sumerlin said, via Eichenhofer.
If there was any part of his game that needed work, this was it. A bigger frame, something he has been working on since being drafted, will help Davis stand his ground in the post against NBA big men.
The rest of the NBA better start preparing for a bigger Davis. The Pelicans star has the makings of an unstoppable force this season.
[Jim Eichenhofer, h/t Slam]
