Monday, July 2nd, 2012 at 11:28 am  |  105 responses

Contest: Anthony Davis Signed Basketball

Leave a comment, win a rock autographed by the newest No. 1 pick.

From SLAM 149 to SLAM 160 to the various online contests in recent weeks, we haven’t been shy of our level of admiration and support for the NBA’s newest No. 1 pick, Anthony Davis.

In honor of both the Draft and our newest issue, which features Davis on the cover and is currently on newsstands across the globe, we’re giving away one official Spalding NBA Game Ball (pictured right) signed by none other than Anthony himself.

All you have to do to enter the contest is drop a comment on this post (please provide your real email address) that says how far you think the New Orleans Hornets can go with their core of AD, Austin Rivers, (potentially) Eric Gordon and whomever else GM Dell Demps and head coach Monty Williams bring along. Short-term, long-term, it doesn’t matter; to what degree will Bourbon street be buzzing?

One winner will be picked by this Friday, July 6, and contacted early next week. Good luck!

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  • Mitch

    Anthony Davis will be a great player. I see him being a dominant defensive big man and then developing his offensive game a little bit more.

  • http://twitter.com/4point0show Wes

    I think this team can make the playoffs- but in NBA 2k13? They’re dominating!

  • Anthony Kevin

    I thini Austin Rivers, Eric Gordon and Anthony Davis is a very great combination for the Hornets. These guys can carry the Hornets to the next level of New Orleans basketball. I think they will create their own Hornets’ era. Will be interesting to see them play together.

  • http://www.slamonline.com/online/nba/2012/06/contest-anthony-davis-signed-basketball/ Rohan Pakianathan

    With these 3 additions, the New Orleans Hornets have a bright future.

  • http://Bollingersrevenge.com Robert

    I believe if they get Eric gordon back and stay healthy they will be top ten in their conference. Not playoff ready yet but soon.

  • Preston White

    I think if a solid veteran presence is added at either the 3 or the 5 that the Hornets can instantly contend for a playoff spot!

  • Matt

    New Orleans is improved. Short-term, they may not be a playoff team, but they’ll flirt with .500. I think they still need a few pieces (point guard is now the biggest need), but the Hornets are certainly on their way.

    Long-term, you’ve gotta like their odds. Anthony Davis is a centerpiece for a franchise, and Austin Rivers could blossom into a great scorer. Those two could be the next great duo in the NBA.

  • http://www.the-ball.com Matt Salome

    how far you think the New Orleans Hornets can go with their core of AD, Austin Rivers, (potentially) Eric Gordon and whomever else GM Dell Demps and head coach Monty Williams bring along. Short-term, long-term, it doesn’t matter; to what degree will Bourbon street be buzzing?

    The New Orleans Hornet have a bright future ahead of them. With one draft they have aligned their team with a core of young talented players who can possibly help their team make the playoffs this upcoming season. Anthony Davis is a game changing defensive player who will only get better year after year. Imagine him in 5 years with his athleticism and some great coaching, in addition to putting on some weight. Future All-Star, All-Pro, and Defensive of the Player type talent.

    Austin Rivers will be an immediate offensive option on the team as his game is best suited for the NBA. He can get to the rim, hit threes, and most importantly create his own shot. The Hornets had the best draft of any team as they got two guys who can start on the team for the next 10 years.

    Eric Gordon, assuming they can sign him long term, will mean the Hornet will have a solid core of players to build around for years to come. In an ideal world these 3 alone should be able to help the team possibly make a big jump next year and possibly making the playoffs. The real questions are:

    1. Will Anthony Davis be able to translate his defensive prowess on the next level right away?
    2. Will Eric Gordon sign long term?
    3. Will Austin Rivers learn to play within the flow of the game or will he be a ball stopper who just takes shots whenever he is handed the ball.

  • Andrew Barnes

    I think they are still a couple of players away from being a legitimate playoff team in the West. I have questions about the Hornets, especially since Gordon is unsigned at the moment (once signed can he say healthy?). Also are they really gonna run Rivers at the point? He averaged more TOs than Assists at Duke. Davis ‘s ceiling is pretty astronomical though once he fills out/polishes his O. His fit in Monty’s stingy D should make the hornets even more obnoxious on that end.

  • pbritty

    I’ll say they get the 7th seed this year, losing in the first round to the Lakers.

  • Where there’s Smoke…

    Short-term: competing for 8th seed. Gordon was hurt most of last year, so really, they are adding Gordon, Brow, and Rivers to a 21 win team.

    Long-term: contenders. As long as they don’t make Rivers play point. And They add a decent pg and c… Team is good to go.

  • Dan

    They’re making great moves and I love it, even though I’m not a big Hornets fan. It’ll be interesting to see how they play next season. I’d say they’ll reach the playoffs but won’t go very deep, I expect a first round elimination which wouldn’t be that bad. They’ll get better each year.

  • Jordan

    By 2015, the Hornets will be a serious contender in the Western Conference. The Lakers, Mavericks, and Spurs are aging quickly. Soon, the conference will be up for grabs. There is no reason why New Orleans cannot be in the mix along with the Thunder and Clippers in upcoming seasons. Davis is a once-in-a-generation talent, and Eric Gordon is a gifted scorer. If Rivers pans out, and doesn’t let his cockiness get the best of him, the Hornets will be downright scary.

  • jz

    long term = championship

  • Rafael Garcia

    They will be playoff bound soon but in order to make any real noise their going to have to add some major key additional players.

  • Karlton Grant

    They will go 50% being that it’s almost a whole new team but still yet very talented and fast with A.Davis now running as their post player. With Eric Gordon at the end of last season I remember seeing them maybe 2-4 games above 500 which makes me wonder how good they could’ve been if Eric Gordon was there the whole season. Worst case scenario is A.Rivers getting the starting position at the 2 who is an inch or 2 taller then EG. Looking forward to seeing this Franchise but my Kings better do better lol Trob wattup!!

  • Orel Shoham

    Hornets will be a playoff team begining next season. AD could be a top 5 player within 3 years. Overall, NO has a very bright future!!

  • Ben Paquin

    2012-2013 Season: As long as Austin dishes out to Eric Gordon or to Anthony Davis when he penetrates and involves the rest of his team’s weapons I wouldn’t be surprised if they became an 8th or 9th seed.

    Bourbon street’s buzz could be louder than the Thunder OKC’s fans have been making lately if the Hornets fulfill their potential.

  • Trevon

    I think they’re going to struggle earlier on in the season until they gain real efficient team chemistry.But I believe by at least the middle of the season they will get it together and make the playoffs.

  • Derek Lozinski

    With the core the Hornets have now they have great potential to make a run at eastern conference finals for years. I think they will be rebuilding for a couple years. They will have even more potential and will be even better if they can match the contract offers on Eric Gordon. With the defensive presence of Anthony Davis and his ability to rebound will help the Hornets go a long way for the next couple years. If the Hornets keep Eric Gordon and pair him with another scorer like Austin Rivers, they will be a team other organizations will be fearing them for years to come and I can’t wait to see it.

  • Connor

    I think that Rivers and Davis will start off a little slow but eventually go just above .500. I think with Eric Gordan they will play tough but with a few key free agents, chemistry, and another pick in the draft next year, this team will become one of the elite teams in the NBA in the coming seasons.

  • John

    I want that basketball….please.

  • warren haas

    Long term the New Orleans Hornets have a bright future as long as they resign Eric Gordon. Although there are some question marks that will determine the teams future as a championship quality squad. Can Austin Rivers play point guard in the NBA?? Will Anthony Davis polish up his offensive game and add enough muscle that he wont get pushed around in the post?? Can New Orleans avoid injury and attract free agents? Oklahoma City will dominate the west for the next couple years, but i could see the NO Hornets becoming a team to be reckoned with if a core of Rivers, Davis, and Gordon remains intact.

  • Sumit

    I think that this year, teams will need to watch out for the hornets! I see the 2012-13 hornets being similar to the 09-10 thunder in terms of improvement. Not only do they have AD but they have Gordon and Rivers too! Now the hornets have the pieces and a good coach to make it into the playoffs with at least a 7 seed, if not better. Although it would be awesome if this happened, Eric Gordon could very likely get injured, as shown last season, in which case they’ll probably finish a little under .500 if the injury is not too long-term. As we all know, in the west that’s not playoff caliber. So, ultimately I see the hornets sneaking into the playoffs with a 7 or 8 seed

  • brad

    I believe the hornets will get better. They are a little unsure at the point guard spot but I think Rivers can learn to play the point and Anthony Davis will help Rivers a lot. If they bring Gordon back I think the Hornets can compete for the 8th playoff spot. But in a couple of years they are a sure fire contender in the west.

  • Steve D

    Davis, Rivers and Gordon will form a fantastic young core for this team. Short term will be a little rocky as they develop and form trust in each other. Long-term, the sky is the limit as long as Demps fills in with talent around them. Bourbon street is ALREADY a-buzz with excitement which is great considering the last couple of years. Go Hornets!

  • Scott

    9th seed this year. Then 6th. Then 3rd. Then championship.

  • kjmelnis

    I don’t see them getting in the playoffs next season, but in a year or two they will be in the playoffs. Long term I think they will be pretty decent, but not a championship team.

  • Andrew Palmer

    I believe that the comparison of Anthony Davis to Bill Russell may be a very close one, at least the Russell of this generation. Maybe a more defensively dominating Lamar Odom (big who can handle the ball and have a soft touch).
    The Most important question is… How long before that eyebrow is COMPLETELY full, all the way across?
    With the potential of this current squad I thnik they are a 60 win team. They need fan support though. Hopefully they get it, because they are going to be a very fun and exciting team to watch. I think they miss the playoff this year, but explode on the scene next year and learn really quick. 50 wins this year and 60 next year.

  • Brad Miska

    They won’t make the playoffs this year, at least until Davis bulks up and Rivers develops a feel for the NBA. But, Davis and Rivers have that “Jordan eye”, the intensity and focus to push through obstacles. A huge portion of success is a mind set. Davis grew up watching MJ, I think you can learn a lot just from that. Rivers, his dad.

  • Decipher

    Anthony Davis is going to be a great player,hes got a bright future and can be one of the best in years to come!

  • Derick

    The Hornets with new ownership and this promising young team have the opportunity to be something very special. They still need a few pieces but will compete for the playoffs this season and be in contention for a championship in another four years.

  • Riley Adams

    I’d think the Hornets play somewhere in the .500 range this season assuming the team remains healthy. I see a playoff berth next season, possibly 5-8 seed and going to the second round. In year 3, I see us making it to the WCF and losing a tough series to OKC. Year 4 will be the year where we find out how much the team can handle the national stage and how well our team has developed a chemistry for success. I see us making the Finals that year, maybe the year after. Just my thoughts (and hopes, of course).

  • kenny chung

    They will not make the playoffs next year (2012-2013). They will make the playoffs in 2013-2014.

  • eyc0729

    Anthony Davis — please get rid of your unibrow!!!

  • Brandon

    I see the Hornets as potentially reaching the playoffs next year depending on Gordon’s health. However, for the future, I see them being in contention for a championship possibly.

  • TheWhiteMarkPrice

    AD, Rivers, & possibly Gordon are three really good cornerstones for the franchise moving forward. They are at least 2 yrs away from playoff contention. It is important for them to NOT overpay for Gordon though. With Okafor being moved & Kalamazoo a FA they need serious depth up front. Front court depth will allow AD to learn & have his minutes monitored. They could use a reliable pg & wing scoring(slasher) as well. These three combined with another probable lottery pick next year could very well put them ahead of the learning curve early. They are definitely a franchise that is rebuilding very quickly under new ownership.

  • TheWhiteMarkPrice

    *Kaman*

  • Rene

    I think they will be the 8th or 9th seed. There division is incredibly tough so i see it hard for them. It will be a huge improvement from last year. 2-3 years from now they have potential to be top 4 in west.

  • NcBred

    Fear the Brow!

  • Joel

    AD23 and AR25 have the potential to be great! Combine those (2) w/ EG10 and you have the makings of a core that can compete in the Western Conf. NOLA still needs to add a ’5′ to play alongside Davis, but they have the framework of a really good basketball team! People in Louisiana are talking more and more about the Hornets which is a change from the Saints centric talks of years ago.

  • Brenan Betro

    The Hornets have vastly improved. With the core of Davis, Gordon, and Rivers the Hornets will be an intriguing team to watch in the coming years. Also, second round pick darius miller should not be overlooked. He could be a solid spark off the bench at small forward as a guy who can come in and shoot the three and drive into the lane. You have to think about the idea of bringing in another big man though, with Kaman possibly leaving and trading Emeka Okafor. I think Carl Landry is a must sign for the Hornets to keep some depth as the team enters free agency with some cap room. New Orleans has a solid rotation so far with Davis and Smith down low, Vasquez and Miller off the bench, a pure shooter in Belinelli, and two crafty players who can play either guard spot in Rivers and Jack. The Hornets are certainly on the rise and will be a totally different team in the next couple seasons!

  • Logan Walker

    I believe Anthony Davis is the real deal. Being a huge Kentucky fan, I have watched him first hand for a full season. I believe he is a game changer, a force in and out of the paint that is unstoppable. I can’t wait to see the city of New Orleans buzzing about him. He and the Hornets will do great things next season.

  • Trevis Batts

    Rivers, Davis, and Miller will bring a huge momentum swing to Nola. But since they traded two veterans away, they will be a young, inexperienced team. Yes, they’ll make the playoffs, but it will be awhile until they are a championship-contending team.

  • kyle caldwell

    i think they can go to the playoffs and maybe the final thats my pick

  • Johanna McDowell

    With New Orleans recruiting both Anthony Davis and Darius Miller from the 2012 National Championship Team the Kentucky Wildcats there is sure to be a championship in their future. I think it will be in the 2013-2014 season. The players need a chance to find their grove and once that happens I think that the Hornets will dominate! Good luck to both Davis and Miller!!

  • Simon

    For the upcoming season, the Hornets will challenge for the 8th seed in the West, pending potential injuries to their star players. If the core of this team doesn’t change in the long term (i.e., by Year 5), I can’t see this team going further than the Western Conference Finals as the best case scenario.

  • The real partymarty

    It all depends on Rivers to me. David will be a star, Gordon is a star, they both may be superstars. Now if Rivers can be a a tremendous player also then we have our own big three. And once your have a big 3, championship hungry role players FOLLOW! It seems as though they will be a great fit, but we still lack a quality center and Aminu has proven much for us at the 3. With that being said, who we get in free agency is a big deal as well. Either or when it comes to Rivers and free agency, the future is BRIGHT in NOLA and if the Saints could do it under Benson then so can the Hornets!!!

  • Ben Ireland

    I see them being pretty entertaining. Davis should be a dominating defensive presence, but will likely struggle offensively. Rivers started off slow in college but his game has always been tailored to the NBA, he’ll try and play point alongside Gordon for the first while, struggle distributing but he’ll findit easy to score in bunches. When Gordon inevitably goes down with injuries, Rivers should star and they’ll make a late surge towards the playoffs, maybe making it as an eighth seed if Davis has an offensive game by the end of the season. And they’ll be really fun to watch on LeaguePass.

  • http://Slamonline.com Joey Lucas

    Anthony davis had only begun. At the beginning of the year he was only dunking and by the end of the tourney he’s was using both hands to shoot with and shooting out side

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