The NBA's 5 best big men
Size matters. Go big or go home. Play large and in charge.
Despite the NBA's ongoing trend of head coaches running with small-ball lineups, nothing can replace the peace of mind that comes with having a quality big man who can rebound, work with his back to the basket, and defend the rim.
Just ask the Cleveland Cavaliers, who found a diamond in the rough when they acquired Timofey Mozgov in January. Having his size in the middle has been the missing ingredient for a team - currently competing in the NBA Finals - that was floundering defensively before his arrival.
Here are the five best active big men and how they've impacted their respective squads:
Honorable mentions: Blake Griffin (Los Angeles Clippers), Nikola Vucevic (Orlando Magic), DeAndre Jordan (Clippers), Al Horford (Atlanta Hawks), Chris Bosh (Miami Heat), Tim Duncan (San Antonio Spurs)
5) Pau Gasol, Chicago Bulls
2014-15 statistics: 78 games, 34.4 minutes, 18.5 points, 49.4 FG%, 11.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 0.3 steals, 1.9 blocks, 2 turnovers, 22.7 PER
After withering away during his final two seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, the older Gasol brother appeared rejuvenated in the Windy City, leading the NBA in double-doubles with 54.
Gasol remains the same mid-range specialist he's always been, with 716 of his 1153 attempts coming on jump shots. He's more than capable of working in the post, although one of his biggest strengths comes from his ability to keep the defense honest with his shooting from 10 to 15 feet.
When he's by the rim, the 15-year pro shows no fear, utilizing impeccable footwork and hard-nosed physicality to get whatever he desires. Like the savvy veteran he is, Gasol always has an answer for what the defense throws his way.
4) LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland Trail Blazers
2014-15 statistics: 71 games, 35.4 minutes, 23.4 points, 46.6 FG%, 10.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.7 steals, 1 block, 1.7 turnovers, 22.8 PER
Even a ligament tear in his left thumb couldn't put a halt to a career year for Aldridge, with the 29-year-old posting his highest scoring average and usage rate (30 percent). He was also one of just three players to average at least 20 points and 10 rebounds for the season.
Electing to forgo surgery in late January that would've kept him on the sidelines for 6-to-8 weeks benefited Portland immensely, as the team won its first Pacific Division title since 1998-99. The Blazers were 0-6 in 2015 when the four-time NBA All-Star was inactive.
Points are never hard to come by for Aldridge. He finished first in the NBA in field goals made at 659 - six more than league MVP Stephen Curry. Portland scored 7.3 more points when he was on the floor per 100 possessions, further emphasizing just how integral it is for the team to re-sign him this summer when he's an unrestricted free agent.
3) Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies
2014-15 statistics: 81 games, 17.4 points, 49.4 FG%, 7.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 0.9 steals, 1.6 blocks, 2.2 turnovers, 21.7 PER
It's extremely difficult to pinpoint any flaws in Gasol's game. He's so well-rounded on offense and defense it's easy to see why he earned his first All-NBA First team nod this season.
"I never thought he would develop into that kind of player," Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki said to Bleacher Report's Howard Beck in February. "I mean, just really no weaknesses out there. Tough-minded. So yeah, I'm a big fan."
Whether he's dishing off to a cutting teammate, using his agile 7-foot-1 frame to defend all areas of the court, or simply operating as Memphis' go-to guy on offense (team-high 24.7 usage percentage), Gasol knows exactly when and how to make an impact when he sees the floor.
2) DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings
2014-15 statistics: 59 games, 34.1 minutes, 24.1 points, 46.7 FG%, 12.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.5 steals, 1.7 blocks, 4.3 turnovers, 25.2 PER
Suiting up for Sacramento - who's failed to crack the 30-win mark since he entered the league - hurts Cousins' credibility around NBA circles.
His numbers do the complete opposite, though.
He may be a headache behind the scenes and a loose cannon on the floor (third in the NBA with 14 technical fouls this season), but Cousins' grit and multi-faceted repertoire make him a delight to those who watch him perform.
He's the type of player you want escorting you to your motor vehicle after a late night at the office. Cousins has an intimidating on-court demeanor, paired with a brute force approach, that makes the majority of defenders immediately regret bodying him in the paint.
There's only one Boogie, folks.
1) Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans
2014-15 statistics: 68 games, 36.1 minutes, 24.4 points, 53.5 FG%, 10.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.5 steals, 2.9 blocks, 1.4 turnovers, 30.8 PER
The NBA's most gifted and talented big is just 22 years old. That's frightening.
Davis is already considered one of the NBA's elite scoring threats, finishing fourth in points per game and seventh in field goal percentage. His PER was a little over a point off from Wilt Chamberlain's record of 31.82 set in 1962-63.
Getting his Pelicans to the postseason was the first step in truly establishing himself as the absolute best the NBA has to offer. Winning a playoff game will be his next goal.
In the meantime, the Brow will continue to develop - he's nowhere near his prime - and astound audiences with a style of play that no 6-foot-10 forward should be able to pull off so meticulously.