Centers and power forwards are some of the most coveted players in the NBA. While finding ball
handlers to play on the perimeter isn’t very difficult, there isn’t a substitute for a highly skilled
player with size to play in the paint. Rebounds and defense are the keys to winning games, and
post players bring these important skills to the table. 2013 has seen some of the best big men
live up to their billings as well as a few young players make names for themselves. Here is a list
of top five big men in the NBA so far this season.
1. Kevin Love
After sitting out for the second half of the 2012-2013 season with an injury, Kevin Love is back
to dominating inside for the Minnesota Timberwolves this season. Love is averaging 25 points
and a league-leading 13.6 rebounds per game. Games such as his 42 point outburst against San
Antonio and his 19 rebound performance against the Los Angeles Clippers make Love one of the
most dominant centers in the league.
2. LaMarcus Aldridge
Any discussion of this season’s top big men will likely include LaMarcus Aldridge. The Portland
center is in the midst of an MVP caliber season and one of the best statistical seasons of his
young career.
Don’t be ashamed if learning of Aldridge’s 31-point, 21-rebound performance against the
Warriors caused you to spill coffee all over yourself; you’re excused. There aren’t many people
who weren’t shocked. It’s not that Aldridge isn’t expected to play well, but this season is the first
time that he’s fully asserted himself in the NBA. Currently, Aldridge is averaging 23.5 points!
3. DeMarcus Cousins
In his third year in the NBA, DeMarcus Cousins is putting together his most consistent season yet
for the Sacramento Kings. With Cousins, there has never been a talent issue, dating back to his
dominant freshman season with the Kentucky wildcats. Cousins’ inconsistency has stemmed from
his attitude and composure on the court, as he has been known to have disciplinary issues.
So far this season it seems that Cousins has left these issues off the court as he is currently
playing just as well as any center in the league. Cousins’ average of 22 points and 10.7 rebounds
per game warrant his inclusion in a discussion regarding the NBA’s top post players.
4. Anthony Davis
Following a rookie season that showed flashes of NBA All Star caliber talent, Anthony Davis got
off to a fast start in 2013. Davis was averaging 18.8 points, 10.2 rebounds and 3.6 blocks per
game before injuring his hand in early December. This streak included a 26-point, 17-rebound
performance against Orlando and back-to-back games with 9 and 8 blocks respectively. Pelicans
fans will be hoping Davis recovers quickly and picks up right where he left off for the remainder
of the season.
5. Andre Drummond
While Drummond doesn’t match up statistically with the rest of the players on this list, his
performances are a big part of the Detroit Pistons’ resurgence in 2013. The second year UCONN
product currently ranks third in the NBA in terms of double doubles with 18 on the season. Also,
his 13.3 points and 12.6 rebounds per game have served as a consistent anchor in the Detroit
frontcourt as they seek their first playoff appearance since 2009.
The 2013 season has seen some stellar performances from the NBA’s big men. Both veteran
stars and rookie standouts have helped their teams by giving them a strong presence in the post
and excelling in one of the most important positions on the court.
Scott Huntington is a writer, reporter, blogger, and long-time sports fan. When he’s not watching
sports, he’s doing research for Maxwell Systems or spending time outside with his family. Follow
Scott at @SMHuntington or check out his blog, blogspike.com