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.
Adebayo himself doesn't seem to agree with Cole
During media availability at All-Star weekend, Adebayo himself was asked who is the best defender in the NBA, and he chose Davis.
He said Davis’ greater volume of blocked shots is the “deciding factor.”
Asked Bam Adebayo who the best defender was in the league. After clarifying he wasn’t picking anyone in the East, he chose Anthony Davis and explained why pic.twitter.com/bu07PSpFAH
— Jacob Rude (@JacobRude) February 17, 2024
In his own right, Adebayo, who has made the All-Star game three times, is a very, very good defender. But Davis seems to be on a mission, and he is a force to be reckoned with on that end of the floor, to go along with his excellence in several other facets of the game.
