If the general consensus on a player is one of the best defenders in the league while being a key component to a championship, chances are he is a remarkable success. However, for the Los Angeles Lakers’ current Center, that hasn’t been the case. While he came into the league amid much fanfare, the rise of names like Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid has seen his stock take a nosedive.

As a result, the perception around him is of disappointment rather than a surefire Hall of Famer. However, two legends still believe in the Kentucky product.

Boston duo rates MVP Chances

When he set foot in the NBA, Anthony Davis was a dominant defensive player. The common hope was that his offensive game would come around eventually. However, consistency and durability have become significant concerns over the 12-year career of the big man.

But, when it comes to skill, very few, if any, ever question AD. The Celtics duo of Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, long linked together, came together for a special presentation to cover the NBA offseason. Titled?Ticket and The Truth, it saw the two friends break down happenings from around the NBA.

As the topic came to the re-emergence of the Center position, the pair put down Davis’ name in the list. However, the discussion around him remained the same as it always has. While they acknowledged his talent as second to none, they could not discount the injury concern.

As a result, Paul Pierce said,?“I’m giving AD…A 10% chance to win MVP because for one, it’s too many factors…Lakers got to be top 3 and you gotta play the games…To make these awards, you got to play 65. That’s gonna be tough…This ain’t even a question about his talent…Out of them MVPs dog, he can do some of those same things if not better than some of those guys.”

If Davis is able to flip the script, he might be able to cement himself back into the best big man of the generation conversation.

AD vs Nikola Jokic vs Joel Embiid

The general consensus once Jokic and Embiid took a leap was that the race would be between three men. However, injuries and a touch of inconsistency saw Anthony fall out of the conversation. While Jokic went on to win 2 MVPs and a championship, Joel too logged in an MVP award.

Read More: After His $186 Million Extension Deal With the Lakers, 7x NBA Champion Puts a Wager on Anthony Davis

However, if?The Brow is able to achieve the heights the Boston duo considers him capable of, he would be in the driver’s seat. Already a champion, an MVP would see reach the best of both worlds. Between Embiid’s playoff struggles and?Joker’s?defensive limitations, AD could reach the epitome.

But it would require a strong, consistent, and durable season from the big man. Can he accomplish it is a story to be monitored throughout the 2023-24 season.

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