NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Anthony Davis and Austin Rivers began their first full day as pros together on Hornets owner Tom Benson’s private plane. They flew from New Jersey to New Orleans, where the two 19-year-olds will be expected to ignite the turnaround of an NBA franchise before they’re even old enough to participate fully in the Big Easy’s renowned night life.
They aren’t giving themselves much time to party anyway. Their plan is to remain in New Orleans and work out together at the Hornets’ training center until Davis, the top pick in Thursday night’s draft, has to leave for Team USA tryouts on July 5. If there’s time, they might even find places to live. Rivers will get ready for Las Vegas summer league later in the month.
Davis, who has dealt with the pre-draft hype that goes with being the consensus No. 1 pick, seemed relieved that chapter of his life was over, and that he could start focusing on getting ready to compete against the best basketball players in the world.
“I just wanted to get everything out of the way, step on the court and not have to worry about anything else,” Davis said Friday after his formal introduction and photo op at the New Orleans Arena.
Davis, who stands nearly 6-foot-11 and, as Benson noted with a smile, might still be growing, has been working on adding bulk with a trainer in California. The former Kentucky star affectionately nicknamed “the unibrow” said he now weighs 230 pounds, and lists his training goals as getting bigger, improving his conditioning and refining the skills he’ll need to become a premier NBA big man.
“Guys do this for a living and now I’ve got the opportunity to do it as well, so I’ve got to make sure I’m ready,” Davis said.
Shortly after the pair arrived in New Orleans, they made their first community appearance at Hornets forward Jason Smith’s basketball camp. Davis’ parents, Anthony Sr. and Eranier made the trip, as did Rivers’ mother, Kris, and his sister, Callie.
Hornets coach Monty Williams and general manager Dell Demps said that when New Orleans wound up with the first and 10th overall picks in the draft lottery, they knew they would take Davis first and wanted Rivers at No. 10. They have stressed, however, that they do not want to put too much pressure on the teenage rookies to vault the Hornets up the standings right away.
“I think coach does a great job taking pressure off of guys,” said Davis, who joins a team that went 21-45 last season.
Davis said he hopes trying out and possibly playing for Team USA at the London Games accelerates his development.
“Playing with the superstars in this league — it’ll be a great opportunity for me,” Davis said. “They’ll show me the ropes, show me things I’ve never seen before. … I just can’t wait to learn from them.”
When Davis returns to New Orleans, he’ll have a chance to continue playing with his former Kentucky teammate, small forward Darius Miller, who was picked by New Orleans in the second round, 46th overall.
“I was ecstatic. He’s a great player,” Davis said of Miller, whom he was close with at Kentucky. “It’s fun playing with him and I think he can really help this organization.”
5 Responses to Davis glad draft is behind him, but also ecstatic to have Miller as teammate in New Orleans
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Delighted that Darius and Anthony will be on the same team…Darius was a smart pick for the Hornets. Can’t say the same for their 10th pick in Austin Rivers. I would think that since they traded Emeka Okofor, they’d want to give their franchise player some protection. It’s a long season for someone still maturing and teams will put the muscle to him everytime out. Would liked to have seen them draft either Tyler Zeller, who gets out on the break as well as anyone in the league, or traded down for Festus Ezele and an additional pick or money. A real point and an outstanding play maker like free agent Andre Miller would do a lot more for a young team than an inexperienced Rivers. Eric Gordon, if retained, can spread the floor enough to show case Anthony’s skills…so much for wishes and my opinions. Good luck to both our former Cats!
Indeed, it’s GOOD LUCK to both of these former Kentucky players now with the New Orleans Hornets (along with the four others drafted, of course). Too, again, I had been SO thrilled when Darius’ name had been called to go to New Orleans and be reunited with his former teammate and friend Anthony Davis! I think it’s the perfect situation for Darius to shine and be happy — and such makes me SO happy for an all-time favorite and such a good guy.
Darius can now continue to be his Brothers Keeper, New Orleans is a beautiful path for these two gentle young men to share their Story…Rookies in the NBA. What is special, is the Dream Story for All Our Recruits…The One shared common denominator, These Young Men have God in their Lives. And, I say, God Bless to their Families, you brought Us some True Blue ” Kentucky Gentlemen ” and Coach Cal and the University Of Kentucky, helped make them Great basketball Players…Deserving Of GREAT YOUNG MEN! We here in The State Of Kentucky, were Honored with your Play, Dignity and Love, for each other and The Game Of Basketball… Honor to ” The Magnificent Seven “! Gallery721.com
The Hornets should see a dramatic upswing this season especially if Rivers learns to distribute the ball. They probably had the best draft of any team. I thought that any team getting Miller in the second round got a steal.
Davis, heading to Vegas !!! Sounds Promising….