Ranking Each New Orleans Pelicans Player Heading into 2015 NBA All-Star Break
 

Essentially, Anthony Davis is the New Orleans Pelicans.

One of the league’s best and brightest young players, the 21-year-old All-Star has been dominant since the opening tip of 2014-15.

Davis is averaging 24.5 points (third in the NBA), 10.3 rebounds (11th) and 2.7 blocks (first). He also boasts the top player efficiency rating in basketball at 31.80—which is two-hundredths under Wilt Chamberlain’s all-time best mark of 31.82.

Without AD, the Pels couldn't dream of meaningful basketball come springtime. But Tyreke Evans, Ryan Anderson, Eric Gordon and Jrue Holiday (when healthy) are doing what they can to help the third-year superstar carry the load.

With their assistance, Davis has positioned New Orleans for a shot at its first playoff berth since Chris Paul departed.

The 27-24 Pelicans are jostling with the Phoenix Suns and Oklahoma City Thunder for the final postseason spot. In the face of adversity, New Orleans has won seven of its last 10.

This break couldn't come at a better time. After throwing down a vicious alley-oop against the Chicago Bulls on Feb. 7, Davis slipped off the rim and landed awkwardly. He came out of the game, which his team lost by 35, and was diagnosed with a day-to-day right shoulder sprain.

Every player is ranked on the upcoming slides according to two things: what he's done up to this point and how significantly he’ll impact New Orleans’ playoff chances.

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