NEW ORLEANS – Anthony Davis can't help but notice the homeless people living under bridges near the New Orleans Pelicans' arena when he arrives for and leaves games.

"Any time I see a homeless person I give them money if I have cash on me," Davis said. "You don't know what they're going through. Some people say you never know if they're lying or putting on a show. But you never know.

"If that were me, I would want someone to help me out. I try to make sure I can help out any way possible."

The night before Thanksgiving, Davis paid for and served meals with his family for the residents of the Salvation Army Center for Hope in downtown New Orleans. Davis' Thanksgiving dinner was the tipoff to his season-long "AD's Flight Academy," which will include monthly community events focusing on giving back to children and families in the New Orleans area.

"I was fortunate enough to have food on the table each and every night," Davis said. "But I saw a lot of [less fortunate people] around Chicago where I grew up. … It made me want to give back because I know people who [are struggling] and it doesn't look real good.

"Some of these guys don't have food or whatever it is. During the holidays they're feeling lonely. I'm trying to brighten up their day, make them feel special."

View photos Anthony Davis ranks second in the NBA in scoring behind Kobe Bryant. (USA Today) More

For 36-year-old Charles Igleheart, who described himself as "a man in transition," Thanksgiving arrived a day early at the Salvation Army. After grabbing a plate of turkey, greens, yams and macaroni and cheese, Igleheart thanked Davis and said he enjoyed watching him play with the Pelicans.

"I was having Thanksgiving by myself, so I said cool," Igleheart said. "This means a lot."

Davis has endeared himself to New Orleans through his work both off the court and on. After helping the U.S. national team win the World Cup in Spain, he's enjoyed a breakout season with the Pelicans that's vaulted him into early discussion for the NBA's MVP award.

Davis is averaging a career-high 25.4 points, ranking behind only Kobe Bryant. He is also averaging 11.2 rebounds and ranks first in the league in blocks with 3.3 per game.

Despite his strong play, Davis cautions he and the Pelicans still have a long way to go to meet their goals.

"If you look at my phone, I have over 1,500 unread text messages," Davis said. "I don't even look at the stuff. After the game people are texting me saying, 'You are playing well. Keep it up.' All I am going to say is, 'Thank you.' "

Davis' big objective is to help New Orleans reach the playoffs for the first time since 2011. New Orleans won 31 and 40 games, respectively, during Davis' first two seasons, which is far off the expected number of victories needed to make the postseason in the tough Western Conference. The Dallas Mavericks were the eighth and final seed in the West playoffs last season with 49 wins while the Phoenix Suns missed the playoffs with 48.

The Pelicans currently have a 7-6 record, which ranks 10th in the West. New Orleans also recently lost starting shooting guard Eric Gordon indefinitely to a torn labrum in his shoulder.

View photos Davis and the Pelicans still have a lot of work to do to reach the playoffs. (USA Today) More

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