After a brief lull, power players like Bam Adebayo and Nikola Jokić have cooled the position once again.
5. Domantas Sabonis
Armed with a lightning-fast point guard, Sabonis was a key cog in the Kings’ potent offensive machine last season. He posted a slash line of 19.1/12.3/7.3 while shooting over 61% from the field, all while playing with an amputated hand during the second half of the season. Sabonis has offensive talent and I’ve been waiting to see him play meaningful games for years. Unfortunately, the Warriors found ways to underperform him in the playoffs, attacking him defensively and giving him some slack on the other end of the court. Perhaps the injury has contributed to his decline in play, but Sabonis, already talented, should have something to prove this season.
4. Bam Adebayo
Many nights, Adebayo plays like he’s the No. 2 player on this roster. Few players in the league have as much responsibility as he does. He’s a rebounder and scorer on offense, forced to find his own shot (he made a career-best number of unassisted field goals last year) while freeing up players Heat’s shot-stopper, whether through his passes, picks or turnovers. Defensively, no one on Earth can guard five positions better than Adebayo. His ability to shift is key to Miami’s yearly stingy defense. Simply put, Adebayo is a unique talent in the NBA. The only thing holding him back, even slightly, is his offensive repertoire, which continues to grow.
3. Anthony Davis
The AD may object to playing at center – he considers himself a big – but that’s where he plays most of his minutes and that’s where he plays the most effective. Davis is a tough, rim-protected monster who can go 30 hours on any given night. When Davis’ jump shot falls consistently, whether from mid-range or third-range, he looks like an MVP candidate. There, he’s a bit inconsistent to be able to reach his ceiling, but the reality is that he can still endure nearly 26 a night while shooting over 56% and scaring everyone who walks into no in the picture makes him a force.
2. Joel Embiid
Embiid is an absolute assassin who puts enormous pressure on defenses. He dominates from the elbow in the pick-and-roll, using his smooth touch to sink the J free throw line, punishing defenders who have good reason to be terrified of letting him roll to the rim band. Embiid can hardly be defended one-on-one in the post, and when he does, he often makes life difficult for his opponents quickly. Defensively, it’s rare to see anyone trying to challenge Embiid at the rim. He won MVP last season for a reason.
1.Nikola Jokić
Jokić is the strongest offensive force in basketball.
Jokić is currently the best player in the universe and that is not in dispute. No one has more control over the game than the Joker. He is the most devastating offensive force in basketball. Uncontrollable on the move, very effective in the post, capable of unlimited threes, floaters and runners… you name it, Jokic can do it and do it effectively. And above all, he is an underrated defender who annoys players with his intelligence and positional ability. Any team that wants to win the championship now has to ask itself what the answer is for Jokić. You can’t let his self-deprecating attitude fool you. His talent is no joke.
