Over the last year or two, Anthony Davis has been playing at an outstanding level. Even his critics, of which he has many, have to admit that he has been impressive.
He’s averaging 24.9 points, 12.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.5 blocked shots a game this season. He has improved his free throw shooting, and his 3-point shot has even occasionally made a comeback this year.
But defense is still arguably Davis’ biggest calling card. Plenty of Los Angeles Lakers fans are hoping he will win a Defensive Player of the Year award, especially because of his ability to step out onto the perimeter and guard players at all five positions.
However, former NBA guard Norris Cole feels Miami Heat big man Bam Adebayo is a better defender than Davis. He presented his argument on a recent episode of “Gil’s Arena.”
In fact, Cole said Adebayo is better than Davis in every facet of the game other than scoring.
Norris Cole says Bam Adebayo is a top-25 player and is better than Anthony Davis, per @GilsArenaShow.
“He’s the best two-way player in league… He assists better, the better playmaker, he shot blocks just as good if not better, he switches and plays man better.” pic.twitter.com/5wWus05qzL
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 21, 2024
While Adebayo has a slightly higher assist average this season, he’s at just 1.0 blocks a game and has never averaged more than 1.3 rejections a contest for a full season in his career. Davis is also averaging more rebounds and is shooting a higher percentage overall, as well as from 3-point range and the foul line.