I'll take competent defense. There aren't many who can provide dominant defense on him...
Right, but Jordan plays better defense, both man-to-man and team defense. Plus, he'll help your offense more (since he can finish at the rim if Howard leaves him; Davis doesn't do this as well). Jordan is a better rebounder, as well, and he brings a legit shot-blocking presence to help block penetration.
I mean, straight up: why would you start the inferior player in terms of offense, defense, rebounding, efficiency, and athleticism? How does that make any sense at all, especially when Lucky indicated that D12 won't leave the paint to defend Davis and his anemic jumper?