Monty Williams wants Anthony Davis taking 20 shots per game
All eyes are on Anthony Davis this season as he emerges as the league’s most promising and assuring young star. Right now Davis is averaging 25.4 points, 11.2 rebounds, 2.1 steals, and 3.4 blocks per game through 13 games. Basically he’s out of his mind.
Davis is averaging over 25 points per game on 17.7 shot attempts. Pelicans head coach Monty Williams wants that FGA number up to 20, per John Reid of the Times-Picayune:
Anthony cannot be in a game and not touch the ball. We have to have an effort to get him at least 20 shots every night. And that’s on me too. As much as I draw up plays for him, run the offense through him, the guys on the floor has to know it. When they don’t do it, I’ve got to make sure they get him the ball. Because he’s not a selfish player, he’s going to make the right plays. And our guys know that.
New Orleans is at 7-6 on the season, and with Davis’ ascension, the hope for Monty Williams is that this team can contend for the playoffs behind him. Whenever you have a legitimate star, especially one who is still getting used to being the star, you have to stress usage rates and volume with him and his teammates.
Only stars can warrant taking 20 shots per game. Davis has earned that right.