Sixers: Ranking Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris and every NBA frontcourt

6. Joe Harris & Kevin Durant & Ben Simmons, Nets

The Nets have a lot of potential options next to Kevin Durant and Ben Simmons. Conventional wisdom would suggest the recently signed Nic Claxton — a real center — but then you run into spacing concerns due to Simmons’ unwillingness to shoot. Then there are defense-first wings like Royce O’Neale or Bruce Brown. Or, there are the all-offense options: T.J. Warren or Joe Harris. It’s Harris who gets the hypothetical nod for now, because his deadly shooting (in tandem with Curry and Irving in the backcourt) would make Brooklyn practically unguardable. The defense is a major concern, but the Nets would comfortably out-score most teams.

5. P.J. Tucker & Tobias Harris & Joel Embiid, Sixers

Joel Embiid, two-time MVP runner-up and perennial All-Defense candidate, is all Philadelphia needs for a high placement on this list. A one-man defensive system and arguably the most physically dominant scorer since Shaq, Embiid has single-handedly dragged the Sixers to relevance despite setback after setback within the organization. Tobias Harris played the best basketball of his Sixers career after James Harden’s arrival last season, while P.J. Tucker‘s shooting and defensive versatility should provide a significant upgrade over Matisse Thybulle on the wing.

4. LeBron James & Anthony Davis & Thomas Bryant, Lakers

Last season was an abject disaster for the Lakers. Age and injuries are a major concern, while the roster around LeBron James and Anthony Davis remains suboptimal. That said, it is still LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Those names might not carry the same weight that they once did, but it still feels wrong to count out LeBron. He put up MVP-caliber numbers last season, he just didn’t have much help. AD struggled more than we’re used to on offense, but you still won’t find many superior No. 2 options. Thomas Bryant can space the floor and provide defensive support at the rim. He’ll fit in nicely.