NBA: Top 10 big men heading into the 2019-20 season
2. Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers
2018-19 stats: 25.9 points, 12.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.6 steals, 2.4 blocks, 51.7 shooting percentage, 33.1 3-point percentage
Some people may see it as a shock that Anthony Davis would be at No. 2 on this list, as he could easily top this list and may top many others. Nonetheless, one of the best bigs in the game will be going into a new situation next season as he is poised to compete for a title alongside LeBron James who no doubt will make the game easier for Davis, as Davis will do for LeBron.
That is because Davis is capable of anchoring an entire defense and being a nightmare matchup for whoever is awarded the task of guarding him. The blend of length, skill and shooting range makes Davis one of the most talented players not just among bigs but everyone in the league.
Davis does not score most of his points with his back to the basket, but in this day and age, you really don’t need to. He’s an excellent screen-and-roll man which should pay dividends for an elite passer such as Lebron. In isolation, he’s a handful because of his superb midrange game and speed advantage over most bigs that try to guard him.
The only thing missing from Anthony Davis’ resume is playoff success. Los Angeles could be the stage to showcase just how good Anthony Davis is.
1. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
2018-19 stats: 27.5 points, 13.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 0.7 steals, 1.9 blocks, 48.4 shooting percentage, 30 3-point percentage
There may be some controversy with this spot but when you think about the combination of his low post ability, mixed with the ability to shoot the basketball and being a dominant rim protector, you have an all-time talent and the best big man currently in the NBA. The health concerns are substantial but when he’s healthy no other big man in the NBA today can dominate a game on both ends like Embiid.
The passion that he plays with on the court is infectious and his antics make him either the most lovable guy in the league or one of the most hated. What can’t be denied is his talent and impact on the game. If there is a knock on Embiid’s game, it is that he can careless with the ball and at times make some sloppy passes.
dark. Next. Contenders and Pretenders: Making sense of the NBA’s crowded field
The Sixers’ franchise center has increased his scoring, rebounding, assists and shooting percentages in every year he’s been in the league, and is just scratching the surface on his potential.