The Los Angeles Clippers are 9-1. That was unexpected.

The New Orleans Pelicans were 1-9. That was more expected.

The two teams are at opposite sides of the Western Conference. The Clippers have one less loss than the Golden State Warriors, which, even at this stage in the game, is a wholly remarkable thing. They have become a great team, and look to truly challenge this season. If there is one team to break the Warriors, perhaps I’m wrong. Perhaps it’s not the San Antonio Spurs.

The Pelicans, on the other hand, are not a remarkable team. Anthony Davis remains a remarkable player. But he is receiving no help. He’s all alone on the court it seems like, the only guy playing at both ends. And, as we’ve seen, he can’t do it alone.

The Clippers are a team winning on the backs of their stars – Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan. The “trio” advertised to try and lure Kevin Durant. Man, KD’s gotta be bummed he didn’t consider them more.

The Pelicans, with their one win, are doing it despite the play of Davis. Their should-be stars, Buddy Hield, Tim Frazier, and Jrue Holiday are not playing, or appear like it. Only Frazier is a stat leader. Everything else is covered by Anthony Davis.

The Clippers are just insanely good. It’s because Chris Paul is still one of the league’s best point guards. Blake Griffin has rediscovered his form, and leads the team in points. And DeAndre Jordan, fresh off an Olympics where Coach K chose him over Draymond, is playing great basketball. There’s a reason this team is good on both ends of the court.

Anthony Davis is a player that needs to be saved. He’s one of those guys that if Ocean’s Eleven went in to rescue, you wouldn’t be mad. He’s too good for this Pelicans team. It’s time for him to find a new team, somewhere his talents will be used to their utmost (cough cough hey OKC Thunder we need a power forward).

The Clippers aren’t one player. They’re a bench that includes Paul Pierce and Jamal Crawford. They’re a team with a great three point shooter in JJ Redick. They’re a team with a trio of stars. And LA has it’s true successor to the Kobe years. At least it looks like it.

The Pelicans, even with the miracle that is Anthony Davis, are a lottery team. Should he be injured again this year, Davis should be traded. Because the Pelicans aren’t risking the future of their team by trading Davis. Especially if they’re able to get good young healthy players.

Anyways, it’s still really early to be commentating on these teams. But watch them going forward this season. Because the Los Angeles Clippers are playing incredible basketball. And Anthony Davis is too. Now, if only all of New Orleans fell in line.