Fansided

Top 5 NBA players at each position so far

By Jabari LeGendre

Nov 23, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) reacts in the third quarter against the Orlando Magic at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) reacts in the third quarter against the Orlando Magic at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
Nov 8, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) reacts after being called for goaltending a shot by Portland Trail Blazers forward Ed Davis (17) at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) reacts after being called for goaltending a shot by Portland Trail Blazers forward Ed Davis (17) at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports /

Honorable Mention: DeAndre Jordan LAC

DeAndre Jordan’s summertime soap opera may have given him a black eye in terms of public perception, but the high-flying big man hasn’t lost a step in terms of skill. Although Jordan’s role in the Clippers’ offense is mainly based around him snatching offensive boards and throwing down lobs tossed by Chris Paul or Blake Griffin, he still ranks as one of the best centers in the league. His abysmal 32% free throw percentage thwarts him from cracking the top five, but no matter what city Jordan plays in there is no doubting that he is a force to be reckoned with.

5: Dwight Howard HOU

Injuries to both of his knees and his left ankle have hindered Dwight Howard since his arrival in Houston. However when he is on the court few players can replicate Howard’s impact on both ends of the court. In the nine games, he has played for the Rockets this season Howard has averaged a double-double and shown flashes of the force of nature he once was in Orlando. If Howard can remain healthy and stay on the court for the majority of this season, I’m sure he will rise higher on this list as the season progresses.

4: Al Horford ATL

In my opinion Al Horford is one of the most underrated players in the NBA. Horford’s all around game is reminiscent of Tim Duncan’s Hall of Fame contribution for the San Antonio Spurs. Watching the Hawks in action you can see how Mike Budenholzer, a disciple of Gregg Popovich, utilizes Horford’s versatility in order to keep the team ticking. Horford’s efficiency is probably his best attribute. Shooting 50.5% from the field, 36.5%  from downtown and 91.3% from the charity stripe, Horford is easily one of the best shooting big men in the game.

3: Karl Anthony Towns MIN

Karl Anthony Towns definitely has to be at the top of the list for rookie of the year so far. The University of Kentucky product has hit the NBA like a ton of bricks. There is no way that the Timberwolves could have predicted that the 20-year-old Towns would be this effective so soon. Not only is Towns averaging a double-double, but he is also tied for fifth among all NBA players with 2.4 blocks per game. The Wolves are currently 7-8 and will easily eclipse the paltry 15 wins they amassed last season. Along with Ricky Rubio and Andrew Wiggins, Towns is a part of an impressive, young foundation being set in Minnesota.

2: Hassan Whiteside MIA

The Miami Heat have unearthed an absolute gem in the form of Hassan Whiteside. The seven-footer is an absolute handful in the post. Whiteside’s development has come as a blessing for the Heat who now boast one of the best front court’s in the East. Leading the league in blocks with nearly five per game, Whiteside is a beast on both sides of the court with a bit of a mean streak to boot. If he continues on this upward tick, Whiteside may see an All-Star game appearance in his immediate future.

1: Andre Drummond DET

Hands down the best center in the game, Andre Drummond is posting ridiculous numbers. With 18 points and nearly 18 rebounds a game, Drummond is currently resembling Moses Malone in his prime. The resurgence of the Detroit Pistons is due in large part to Drummond’s front court dominance. With the departure of Greg Monroe to the Milwaukee Bucks, Drummond has become the Pistons’ undisputed alpha male.  At the moment it’s hard to see anyone dethroning Drummond’s number one spot as the NBA’s best center.

Next: Power Forwards

Home/NBA