NBA: 10 Best Frontcourts In the League
By Brad Rowland
9) Golden State Warriors
Andrew Bogut, David Lee, Andre Iguodala
The Warriors are better known for their dynamic backcourt of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson (a duo that is always included in “best backcourt in the NBA” discussion), but the frontcourt options are certainly quite viable, and there is no “weak link” of the bunch. Defense is paramount for this group, especially light of the offensively abilities of the two starting guards, and the duo of Andrew Bogut and Andre Iguodala represent elite defensive placement at their positions.
It is tough to pinpoint the “best player” of this group, but their lack of weaknesses tells the story. Bogut has a lengthy track record of injury woes, including last season when he appeared in just 67 games, but the former number one overall pick is a big-time rim protector (2.5 blocks per 36 minutes last season) who aids in the offensive success with high basketball IQ. In the case of Iguodala, his performance slipped a bit last season from his peak in Denver, but he has displayed the ability to be an All-NBA level defender in the past, and after a season in which he battled health issues, Golden State should reap the benefits of a fringe All-Star.
Lastly, David Lee consistently garners negative press for his defense, and frankly, it is deserved. He is a below-average defender that often displays an apparent lack of effort and/or competence on that end. However, the versatile power forward is one of the better offensive power forwards in the league, averaging 18.2 points per game on better than 52% shooting last season, and he is a high-end passer that helps in floor spacing. Long-lasting comparisons to Kevin Love are crazy and David Lee is certainly overpaid, but he is still an above-average NBA player given his rebounding acumen and offensive skill.