Anthony Davis packed on 12 pounds of muscle this summer
It's been a jam-packed summer for New Orleans Pelicans superstar Anthony Davis as the 22-year-old continues to work on his game.
In addition to extending his range and working on his post game, Davis is also looking to get stronger. As noted by the Pelicans' website, Davis has tacked on 12 pounds of muscle this offseason which brings the near 7-footer to 253 pounds.
"He's going to be stronger, faster, quicker, and more explosive this year," said conditioning coach Jason Sumerlin.
In particular, Davis is looking to improve his core strength.
"He talks about it all the time. He feels it. His trunk stability is a huge thing," Sumerlin says. "Whenever he has been down low with the big guys, he kind of collapses (at his midsection). He's starting to understand how to use his body more efficiently now."
As Sumerlin noted, reinforcing his core strength should only help Davis, who shoulders a heavy burden in guarding the paint.
Checking post-ups consisted of 16.1 percent of Davis' defensive possessions last season, and although he fared well (scoring in the 71.9th percentile in points allowed per possession), bigger players like DeMarcus Cousins had their way with the New Orleans power forward. Last season, Cousins averaged 27.3 points and 17.3 rebounds against the Pelicans.
Adding bulk could also help Davis avoid injuries. Davis has missed an average of 15.7 games per season across his first three campaigns in the NBA. As far as weaknesses goes, Davis' inability to stay healthy has been the biggest hole in his game thus far.
"He's got all the characteristics to be great," Sumerlin added. "He wants to be great and says it every day. It makes my job a lot easier. It's all him. He's been grinding this summer. We're going to see it on the court. He's focused, not just physically, but mentally. He's ready."
- With h/t Eye on Basketball