The Sixer Sense
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2018-19 NBA MVP Ladder 1.0: Joel Embiid representing the Philadelphia 76ers early on

By Christopher Kline

Joel Embiid | Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images)
Joel Embiid | Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

5. Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans

Despite Embiid’s dominance, Anthony Davis still carries the mantle of NBA’s best big man. The Pelicans are currently 4-4, but three of those losses came without Davis in the rotation. The other was to Golden State.

In five healthy outings, Davis is averaging 25.2 points, 13.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 3.2 blocks per game. He continues to improve across the board, scoring both inside and out while showing massive growth as a passer.

The Pelicans are a legitimate contender in the Western Conference this season. Golden State is firmly on top, but the Pelicans will compete with Houston, Denver and Utah (and possibly L.A.) in the second tier. Davis, along with a capable supporting cast, is the reason why.

Davis gets extra points for his defensive effort. He’s among the league’s elite interior defenders, deterring drives to the basket and boasting the mobility needed to survive switches on the perimeter.

Barring injury, Davis will be firmly in the top five all season.