Philadelphia 76ers: Where Joel Embiid ranks among all starting centers
3. DeMarcus Cousins, Golden State Warriors
Before his injury last season, Cousins averaged 25.2 points, 12.9 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game as the Pelicans’ second-best option. He’s an elite scorer, shooting 35.4 percent from deep and boasting fluid footwork in the post.
He can also grab-and-go with extreme effectiveness, pushing the pace in transition and making plays for others. That will make him quite the weapon in Golden State’s offense once he returns.
2. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
Embiid has been called the last of a dying breed, but he’s nowhere near fading out. He has all the tools needed to succeed in the rapidly evolving NBA — quick feet on defense, elite rim protection skills and three-level scoring on offense. He’s even growing as a passer.
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In the post, Embiid’s 7-foot-2 frame and buttery footwork makes him virtually impossible to contain. His three-point percentage dropped to 30.8 percent in year two, but it’s something he and Drew Hanlen have been working on this summer.
He needs to avoid turnovers, but Embiid has shown the ability to attack off the dribble and create his own mid-range looks. As he becomes less turnover-prone, Embiid’s ability to create at all three levels — at his size — will make him virtually unguardable.
Assuming his decision making and passing improves, Embiid is well on his way to earning MVP votes in the future. He’s the backbone of this Sixers team on both ends. And the Sixers are really, really good on both ends.
1. Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans
As great as Embiid is, Davis has a stranglehold on the top spot for the foreseeable future. He’s an elite defender himself, while his offensive capabilities stretch a shade beyond Embiid. He’s more dynamic off the bounce, using long strides to attack the lane and finish. He can also score in the post or shoot 34 percent from deep.
Next. Ranking Saric and all 30 starting PFs. dark
Last season, Davis averaged 28.1 points and 11.1 rebounds per game. Has also tallied 2.6 blocks and 1.5 steals, a defensive combination that no other player matched. Many consider him the next in line behind LeBron James, and for good reason. As long as he’s starting at center, he’s No. 1 on this list.