The NBA may be going smaller but there’s always room for a talented young big man.
The new wave of “bigs” hardly resembles the traditional version of power forwards and centers. Rather than exclusively setting up shop in the low post, the modern-day version of the big man is much more athletic and versatile.
An exciting development for the league in general is that many of them are just heading into their prime years. Topping that list, at least at the start of the season, was Anthony Davis, who led the Pelicans to a playoff berth last spring.
Davis can overwhelm opponents at both ends of the floor with his varied skills and imposing length. But the 22-year-old’s numbers have taken a slight dip this season while adjusting to a new coaching staff. In particular, Davis’ shooting percentage has fallen from 53.5 a year ago to 49.2 while the Pelicans have lost two-thirds of their games.
In the meantime, several other big men 25 years old or younger have shined during the first half of the season. Pistons center Andre Drummond leads the league in rebounding by a wide margin while also displaying much improved low-post moves.
Sacramento’s DeMarcus Cousins may be better known for his temper than his production, but he’s the NBA’s highest-scoring big man at 24.4 points per game.
At 6’7”, Warriors power forward Draymond Green may not cut as imposing a figure as many other power forwards, but his all-around contributions have been dazzling. He has posted three consecutive triple-doubles for a team that has lost just two games.
A couple of rookies have also made big impressions in their inaugural campaigns. The Timberwolves’ Karl-Anthony Towns has justified his status of being the top overall pick by averaging 15.9 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.9 blocks in his first 35 games.
Meanwhile, Kristaps Porzingis has taken the Big Apple by storm, drowning out the draft-night boos with a torrent of big performances. The 7’3” European import is already the Knicks’ leading rebounder and shot-blocker and has shooting range that extends beyond the 3-point arc.
This leads us to our question of the day: Which frontcourt player 25 years old or younger would you choose to build your franchise around?
Please take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and opinions on the subject. We look forward to what you have to say.
Obviously Davis would be the choice for anybody with half a brain, but if we’re excluding Davis I’d have to go with Drummond just because of the way I’d like my ideal team to preform. To me, a centers first priority is to rebound then to defend and scoring is third. And with the insane amounts of rebounds Drummond has put up, it’s not even close which big man I build around who isn’t Anthony davis
drummond? please…. its boogie baby! who has the most talent, maybe thats why he’s averaging 25 a game on the sacramento tomatoes!
In terms of scoring ability, Cousins tops the list. He gets his 25-30 points every night, no matter who’s guarding him.
Agreed. I still think most people would pick Davis first but Drummond has really emerged this season. He’s got more 20-20 games than the rest of the league combined.
A Kristaps-Anthony Davis frontcourt would be very intriguing, but if I had to pick only one, it’s Davis, with Cousins coming in second.
As an aside, Drummond has been fantastic this year. Imagine if Charlotte had taken him No. 2 overall in the draft. He’d prob go there in a redraft.
I’d go with Davis. He’s a great two way player and he’s a pretty good rebounder to boot
Davis is awesome but I feel Drummond is only scratching the surface of his talent. When I watch him I see the strongest player in the league by a wide margin and he’s just barely figuring out that nobody can box him out. I also see a player whose body and strength is not remotely finished developing. In a couple of years when he gets his man strength – I think 20-20 might look pedestrian.
Who will keep him off the boards in a seven game playoff series? Only him, he will need to learn how to shoot free throws to stay in the game.
Whats truly amazing to me is that he is quicker than most guards on switching the pick.
A 24 year old Bill Russell. You didn’t say it had to a current player
Kevin Love for Cousins or Carmelo would be the best trade in NBA this year! Love would be back to himself being the first option again and Carmelo with Lebron and Kyrie might be the team Lebron is looking to dominate with.