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NBA Positional Power Rankings: Mr. 4th Quarter And James Harden’s MVP Push

By Steven Abramo

Jan 11, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas (4) drives past Washington Wizards point guard John Wall (2) during the fourth quarter at TD Garden. The Boston Celtics won 117-108. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas (4) drives past Washington Wizards point guard John Wall (2) during the fourth quarter at TD Garden. The Boston Celtics won 117-108. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 31, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) controls the ball as Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 31, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) controls the ball as Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Centers

1. DeMarcus Cousins: Not even the NBA’s purgatory (aka the Sacramento Kings organization), could derail Cousins the top-spot in the Positional Rankings. Boogie, for the entire season, has enlightened the entire NBA with his theoretical antics, plus sheer dominance at his position. Cousins is of course known for receiving 18 technical foul calls this season, by far the most for a player this season.

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However, Cousins is overriding it by averaging a double-double (27 and 10) per game, and shooting well over 35 percent from the perimeter and 46 percent from the field. Now as a vital member within the Pelicans devastating frontcourt, paired with Anthony Davis. I know it’s only been THREE games, but Cousins is already rebounding the best he’s ever done in his career, collecting 21.7 rebounds per 100 possessions while shooting 62.3 percent on two-pointers.

2. Karl Anthony-Towns: There goes that man again, or should I say there goes that “KAT” again. Alright, I’ve probably used one too many puns in this article, but regardless it’s time to understand that Towns is performing at a level that not many 21-year olds typically operate on.

For the season, KAT is averaging the second most points at his position (24.1 per game) and the most rebounds (12.2 per game). Moreover, in the past 20 games, Towns is producing well above his expectations as a second-year center –  pouring in 28.3 points, 12.7 rebounds and 1.8 blocks with a 62.2 eFG%.

3. Brook Lopez: The No. 3 spot for centers have been a revolving door this season, as I’ve used Miami Heat’s Hassan Whiteside and Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid to each fill-in a spot in this season’s rankings. At the time, both appeared to be mainstays at the top – Whiteside with his defensive prowess and Embiid with his all-around versatility. However, as this season has worn on, both have reached their low-points. Whiteside appears to be reaching his ceiling offensively and Embiid just can’t stay healthy.

So in a case like this, who should I reward the final Center ranking to? The name I’m going to provide may surprise you, however once you understand his consistency this season then it’ll all make sense.

Must Read: 2017 NBA Mock Draft 1.0

I know that Brook Lopez plays on a bad, really bad Brooklyn Nets team (9-49), but mind you this doesn’t deter of what type of player he is. For the second consecutive season and third time in four seasons, Lopez is averaging at least 20 points and five rebounds per game.

Since the first week of January, Lopez owns the third highest points per game average (21.3) and the fourth highest block rate (1.9 per game) amongst qualified centers. All of that should count for something.