It doesn’t take 20/20 vision to see that the NBA is going through a “small ball” phase. Every article in every publication seems to speak of spacing, stretch-fours, and corner threes. It’s almost as though the traditional bruising big man that can score 25 points, grab 12 boards, and swat a couple of shots a game is all but a distant memory.
Think again.
In fact, with all the “let’s play two point guards together” and “swing the small forward to the 4” hype, it’s easy to overlook that the NBA is going through somewhat of a big man rebirth of sorts. They might not have the name recognition of a Shaquille O’Neal, David Robinson, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Patrick Ewing but they might end up just as good…or *gasp* even better.
Now stay with me. I know that you can’t possibly fathom that what I just said can have any validity at all. I get that. It’s hard for me to believe too. That said, let’s look at four young giants (including the Kings very own, DeMarcus Cousins), their pros and cons, and how they compare to four legendary big men at the same point in their NBA careers.
Bear witness.
Anthony Davis
Height: 6-foot-10
Weight: 253
Position: PF/C
Team: New Orleans Pelicans
PER for Best 3 Consecutive Seasons Under 27: 28.5 (2013-current)
Compare to PER for Best 3 Consecutive Seasons Under 27 for Shaquille O’Neal: 28.8 (1996-1999)
Strengths: Crazy-athletic hybrid that stuffs the stat sheet every night while playing incredible defense.
Weaknesses: Can be pushed around by bigger power forwards and centers. Hasn’t proven to be very durable.
DeMarcus Cousins
Height: 6-foot-11
Weight: 270
Position: PF/C
Team: Sacramento Kings
PER for Best 3 Consecutive Seasons Under 27: 25.6 (2013-current)
Compare to PER for Best 3 Consecutive Seasons Under 27 for Hakeem Olajuwon: 24.2 (1986-1989)
Strengths: Versatile scorer that can fill it up from down low or from the elbow. Elite rebounder. Underrated defender.
Weaknesses: Immature. Takes plays off. Average shot-blocker.
Hassan Whiteside
Height: 7-foot
Weight: 265
Position: C
Team: Miami Heat
PER for Best 3 Consecutive Seasons Under 27: 25.5 (2011-current / missed 2012-13 and 2013-2014)
Compare to PER for Best 3 Consecutive Seasons Under 27 for David Robinson: 27.1 (1989-1992)
Strengths: Best shot-blocker in the league. Excellent rebounder. Developing post-up game.
Weaknesses: Small sample size. Gets flustered easily.
Andre Drummond
Height: 6-foot-11
Weight: 279
Position: C
Team: Detroit Pistons
PER for Best 3 Consecutive Seasons Under 27: 22.2 (2013-current)
Compare to PER for Best 3 Consecutive Seasons Under 27 for Patrick Ewing: 21.1 (1986-1989)
Strengths: Best offensive rebounder in basketball. Put-back machine. Athletic. Good defender.
Weaknesses: Not much of a post-up game. Atrocious free-throw shooter.
See? The league is literally saturated with quality big men that play on both ends of the floor. So while it’s fun to watch the run and gun ways of some of the league’s best teams, don’t forget the titans! The big man is here to stay!
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