Earlier this season the New Orleans Pelicans launched a marketing blitz that paid homage to the classic television commercials for New Orleans furniture store Frankie & Johnny’s. In the spot, which offered tickets to three games for as little as $24, those with the funds were told to “see the special man.” The shot then goes to Anthony Davis, dressed in the character’s suit, tie and cowboy hat with cigar, of course, who bellowed out the signature line, “Let ‘em have it!”
This summer, look for team owner Tom Benson to don the cowboy hat and interrupt his cigar to deliver the iconic phrase. In July, general manager Mickey Loomis will look to keep his most significant Pelican in the nest for the foreseeable future with a contract extension that could be worth as much as $90 million over five years.
It’s a giant payday, and Davis is worth every penny.
The first overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft has won a gold medal with Team USA at the 2012 Summer Olympics, was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team and has twice been an NBA All-Star. He is showing improvement in both the offensive and defensive sides of his game, and has emerged as the leader and face of the franchise.
In just his third professional year is living up to and in many ways surpassing expectations that came with being the league’s top overall pick in the 2012 Draft. He is included as one of the best three players in the league, with the potential to be included among the game’s legends.
This season, Davis showed he can handle the responsibility of carrying his team while improving his game. He averaged almost four points per game more this season than last, 24.4 ppg compared to 20.8, and had career-high averages in points, blocks (2.9), assists (2.2) and steals (1.5). Through his first two playoff games, he’s averaged 30.5 points, 3 blocks, 2 assists and 1.5 steals.
Davis is an exciting player to watch, and has the ability, by himself, to put fans in the stands. Benson paid $340 million when he bought the franchise from the NBA in 2012. It is now valued at $420 million, according to Forbes magazine, $80 million, or 24 percent, more than the purchase price. Much of that increase is due to Davis’ potential. He’s just 21 years old and being listed as an league MVP candidate, yet he’s not expected to begin to enter his prime for four more years. In an era of the out of control athlete, he is showing maturity and professionalism beyond his years. The most controversial thing about the guy is his unibrow. For a team owner and management, that’s golden.
As the lady in the old Frankie & Johnny’s commercial would say, “He’s got it! He’s got it!”
Tom Benson, let him have it!
Anthony Davis’ Career Stats
Season Age G FG% FT% Rebounds Assists Steals Blocks Points
2012-13 19 64 .516 .751 522 63 75 112 867
2013-14 20 67 .519 .791 673 105 89 189 1,394
2014-15 21 68 .535 .805 696 149 100 200 1,656
Career 199 .525 .789 1,891 317 264 501 3,917
Per Game Averages
Season Rebounds Assists Steals Blocks Points
2012-13 8.2 1.0 1.2 1.8 13.5
2013-14 10.0 1.6 1.3 2.8 20.8
2014-15 10.2 2.2 1.5 2.9 24.4
Career 9.5 1.6 1.3 2.5 19.7
Playoff Per Game Averages
Season Age G FG% FT% Rebounds Assists Steals Blocks Points
2014-15 21 2 .489 .944 8.5 2.0 1.5 3.0 30.5
Career 2 .489 .944 8.5 2.0 1.5 3.0 30.5
