Anthony Davis's Age In 2018: A Look Back

Hey guys, let's take a trip down memory lane and talk about one of the NBA's most dominant forces, Anthony Davis, and specifically, where he was at in his career back in 2018. It's wild to think how much has changed since then, right? In 2018, Anthony Davis was still establishing himself as a superstar, but he was already showing flashes of the generational talent we see today. He was playing for the New Orleans Pelicans, a team he had been with since being drafted first overall in 2012. That season, 2017-2018, was a significant one for AD. He was in his sixth year in the league, meaning he was likely around 24 or 25 years old during that calendar year. Born on March 11, 1993, he would have turned 25 in March of 2018. This was a period where he was carrying the Pelicans, often putting up incredible numbers on both ends of the court. He was already known for his unbelievable athleticism, his smooth offensive game, and his defensive prowess, particularly his shot-blocking ability. People were already talking about him as one of the best players in the league, and he was definitely on a trajectory to superstardom. The 2018 season saw him averaging a stellar 28.1 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.1 steals, and a league-leading 2.5 blocks per game. These numbers weren't just good; they were historic. He was a legitimate MVP candidate, and the Pelicans were a playoff team, even managing to win a playoff series that year against the Portland Trail Blazers. It was a clear indication that AD was ready to lead a franchise. He was the undisputed leader of that Pelicans squad, shouldering a massive load and performing at an elite level consistently. The narrative around him was one of immense potential being realized, and the excitement about his future was palpable. He was already a five-time All-Star by this point, showcasing his consistent impact on the game year after year. His defensive impact was particularly noteworthy, often anchoring the Pelicans' defense and making opponents think twice before driving to the basket. Offensively, he was a nightmare matchup for opposing big men, with a versatile offensive game that included a reliable jump shot, post-up moves, and surprising agility. The year 2018 was a pivotal one for Anthony Davis, solidifying his status as a top-tier player and setting the stage for future moves and achievements. It's fascinating to look back and see how far he's come since then, but in 2018, he was already a certified baller, proving his worth night in and night out. The buzz surrounding him was immense, and he was widely considered one of the most exciting young players in the NBA, destined for greatness.

Anthony Davis in the 2017-2018 NBA Season

So, let's dive a little deeper into that 2017-2018 season when Anthony Davis was rocking the purple and gold for the New Orleans Pelicans. As we established, he was around 24-25 years old, and man, was he playing like it! He was the undisputed centerpiece of that Pelicans team, and his performance stats were absolutely mind-blowing. Averaging 28.1 points per game was no joke; he was one of the top scorers in the entire league. But AD wasn't just about putting the ball in the hoop. His rebounding numbers were also elite, pulling down 11.1 boards per game, dominating the paint and controlling the glass. And let's not forget his defensive impact. He was leading the league in blocks with 2.5 per game, swatting away shots like they were going out of style. Plus, he added 1.1 steals per game, showing his all-around defensive activity. This stat line wasn't just good; it was MVP-caliber stuff, guys. He was a true two-way player, capable of impacting the game in every single facet. The Pelicans, thanks to AD's heroics, finished the season with a 48-34 record, securing the 6th seed in the Western Conference. This set them up for a playoff date with the Portland Trail Blazers. And guess what? AD didn't just show up; he dominated. In that first-round playoff series, he averaged a ridiculous 30.5 points, 13.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steal, and 2.5 blocks per game. He was an absolute beast, leading the Pelicans to a 4-0 sweep of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum's Blazers. Seriously, a playoff sweep? That's how good he was. This series performance was a massive statement. It showed the world that Anthony Davis could carry a team deep into the postseason and perform at his absolute best when the stakes were highest. He was the driving force behind that playoff success, and it was clear he had the clutch gene. The energy and intensity he brought to the court every night were infectious. He was more than just a player; he was the heart and soul of that Pelicans team. The fan base in New Orleans absolutely adored him, and you could see the pride he took in representing the city. His connection with the fans was strong, and he often spoke about wanting to bring a championship to New Orleans. Looking back, the 2017-2018 season was a defining one for Anthony Davis, showcasing his peak performance and leadership abilities before his eventual move to Los Angeles. It was a year where he proved he could be the guy and lead a team to significant success.

The Pelicans' Playoff Run in 2018

Alright, let's talk about that incredible playoff run the New Orleans Pelicans went on in 2018, all thanks to the superhuman efforts of Anthony Davis. As we've been discussing, AD was in his prime, and he dragged that Pelicans team all the way to the postseason. They entered the playoffs as the 6th seed in the Western Conference, and their first-round matchup was against the Portland Trail Blazers, a team that had a pretty solid regular season themselves and featured stars like Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. Most people probably expected a competitive series, maybe even a coin flip. But what happened was anything but. Anthony Davis, playing at an absolutely insane level, led the Pelicans to a shocking 4-0 sweep of the Blazers. I mean, a sweep! That's dominant, folks. Davis's individual performance in that series was nothing short of legendary. He was putting up numbers like 30.5 points, 13.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steal, and a staggering 2.5 blocks per game. Think about that – averaging over 30 points and 13 rebounds while also anchoring the defense with tons of blocks. He was everywhere on the court, making game-changing plays on both ends. He was completely unstoppable. He showed incredible poise and leadership, especially for a player who was still relatively young at that point. It was clear he was embracing the pressure and thriving in the spotlight. The Pelicans' supporting cast, including guys like Jrue Holiday and Nikola Mirotić, stepped up as well, but make no mistake: this was AD's show. He elevated everyone around him. This playoff victory was a massive moment for the franchise and for Anthony Davis personally. It was the first time he had led a team to a playoff series win, and it silenced a lot of the doubters who questioned whether he could be the primary leader of a successful team. It proved that when healthy and surrounded by some complementary pieces, he could absolutely carry a franchise. The sweep was a statement to the rest of the league: the New Orleans Pelicans, powered by Anthony Davis, were a force to be reckoned with. It generated so much excitement and hope for the future of the team. While their playoff journey ended in the next round against the Golden State Warriors, that first-round sweep was a historic achievement and a testament to Anthony Davis's incredible talent and determination in 2018. It's one of those playoff series that fans remember for years to come, a showcase of pure basketball dominance. It really cemented his status as one of the game's elite players.

Anthony Davis's Career Trajectory Post-2018

So, we've talked a lot about Anthony Davis back in 2018, but what happened after that stellar season? Man, the trajectory of his career has been a wild ride, guys! After that dominant 2017-2018 season and playoff sweep, the expectations for AD and the Pelicans were sky-high. However, the following seasons in New Orleans were a bit more challenging. Injuries started to become a more prominent storyline, and the team struggled to consistently build around him. Despite his incredible individual talent, sustained team success proved elusive. This led to increased speculation about his future and whether he would ever win a championship in New Orleans. The narrative began to shift from