Colin Cowherd Eats His Words: Anthony Davis Now NBA’s Second-Best Big Man

In a surprising shift, sports analyst Colin Cowherd has retracted his previous criticisms of Los Angeles Lakers superstar Anthony Davis, now calling him the second-best big man in the NBA, right behind Denver Nuggets’ star Nikola Jokic. This change of heart came during a recent segment of “The Colin Cowherd Podcast,” where Cowherd admitted he was wrong about Davis, whom he had frequently criticized over the last few seasons.

Speaking with Jason Timpf on the same podcast, Colin Cowherd expressed his amazement at Davis’ recent performances. “You cannot mistake Anthony Davis in a game. Dominant defender. He’s got significantly more physical to me. I don’t know what happened. This is the ‘AD’ we thought we were getting out of college, and he just wasn’t emotionally ready for it,” Cowherd said.

Davis has been a standout player for Team USA, anchoring their defense with his aggressive rebounding, shot-blocking, and offensive contributions. His performance has been crucial in Team USA’s victories during the showcase games leading up to the Olympics. In a recent win against Sudan, Davis recorded eight points, seven rebounds, and two blocks. In the campaign opener against Serbia, he contributed seven points and eight rebounds.

Anthony Davis recently eased concerns about his right ankle after appearing to injure it during Team USA’s 103-86 blowout win over South Sudan. Speaking to the media post-game, Davis assured everyone that he was at “100 percent” after tangling with former Lakers teammate Wenyen Gabriel.

The scare came in the second quarter when Davis grabbed his right ankle following the collision. However, he returned to play, logging 19 minutes and finishing with eight points, seven rebounds, three assists, one steal, and two blocks.

This incident underscores the ongoing concern about Davis’ health, which has been a significant issue throughout his career. His ability to stay injury-free is crucial, not only for Team USA’s success in the Olympics but also for the Lakers’ prospects in the upcoming NBA season.

The Lakers have had a relatively quiet free agency, opting to stick with their core roster from the past few seasons. This decision places additional pressure on the health and performance of their star players, Anthony Davis and LeBron James. Both have logged considerable minutes during the Olympics, which raises concerns about potential wear and tear before the next NBA season.

The Lakers’ strategy hinges heavily on Davis and James remaining injury-free. Their ability to endure the physical demands of an NBA season, especially after an intense Olympic campaign, will be critical. Only time will tell if Davis can maintain his current form and stay healthy throughout the next season.

Colin Cowherd’s reversal on Anthony Davis is a testament to the unpredictable nature of sports performance and commentary. Davis has faced substantial criticism over the years, much of it justified due to his injury history and perceived lack of physicality. However, his recent performances, particularly in the Olympics, have shown a different side of him—a more dominant, resilient player who is finally living up to the potential seen in him since his college days.

This change in the narrative around Davis highlights the fluidity of sports journalism, where opinions can shift dramatically based on an athlete’s performance. It’s also a reminder of the pressures athletes face, not just from their own expectations but from the constant scrutiny of analysts and fans.

For the Lakers, the upcoming season is fraught with uncertainty. Their decision to maintain the status quo in the roster means that much rides on the health and performance of their key players. Anthony Davis, in particular, will be under the microscope. His ability to stay healthy and perform at a high level could be the difference between another disappointing season and a legitimate run at the championship.