NBA: Top 10 big men heading into the 2019-20 season
8. Al Horford, Philadelphia 76ers
2018-19 stats: 13.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 0.9 steals, 1.3 blocks, 53.5 shooting percentage, 36.0 3-point percentage
Al Horford’s stats may not jump out at you to feel worthy of this ranking but if there is one player that defines the saying “his impact does not show up in the box score” it’s him. Horford is an excellent player with intangibles and leadership that can be undervalued and under-appreciated in the NBA. The Philadelphia 76ers newly acquired big man will play an important role in Philly’s success this upcoming season.
His ability to guard the pick-and-roll and switch on to guards, if necessary, will be extremely valuable to the Sixers, especially when that was such a weak point for the team this past season. Horford has the ability to protect the rim and stretch the floor. Not particularly known as a shooter, Horford has shot it at a 36.8 clip for his career from distance and could see a ton of open looks this upcoming season.
He makes his teammates better because of his high basketball IQ and ability to pass at his size. Put simply, Horford knows how to play and plays the right way.
7. LaMarcus Aldridge, San Antonio Spurs
2018-19 stats: 21.3 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.5 steals, 1.3 blocks, 51.9 shooting percentage
Seven-time all-star LaMarcus Aldridge is still getting it done with the midrange jumpers that have become a lost art in the NBA. His turnaround jumper is one of the most proficient shots today. While Aldridge has extended his range and is capable of knocking down shots from 3-point distance, he knows his bread and butter and it is the reason he is still one of the most effective players on the block.
Aldridge was an all-star for the second-straight year and led the San Antonio Spurs to a 48-34 record and came one game away from upsetting the No. 2 seeded Denver Nuggets. Many people counted the Spurs out once they traded Kawhi Leonard to Toronto but a player of Aldridge’s ability and Gregg Popovich are going to find a way into the postseason.
Not only is Aldridge one of the most efficient post-up players in the game but he is also one of the most durable players. You know what they say, the best ability is availability and Aldridge has played in at least 71 games in each of the past five years. Going into his 14th season you can expect more turnaround jumpers from Aldridge as he tries to get the Spurs back in the playoffs in the crowded Western Conference.