The Next Lottery All-Star
Call it the NBA BIG edition. Call it the Frontcourt Four. Whatever you call it, remember that Kemba Walker is NOT a post player. For this week, we look at four post players and one pint-sized point guard.
1) Demarcus Cousins, Sacremento Kings – Immaturity can be a big issue. Talent normally makes people overlook that, however. Demarcus Cousins has plenty of both. Being 6’11” with 275 lbs of fried chicken under his belt doesn’t hurt either. Cousins has both the size and the skills to be possibly a top 5 center in the NBA at some point. Given that he’s on a bad team with less than consistent play, he’s putting up impressive numbers at this point. Over his last four games, he’s averaged 21.75 ppg and 9.25 rpg. He’s shooting a respectable 53% from the field and 69% from FT during that span, including a 12 for 16 performance from the field against the Suns to go along with a perfect 9 for 9 from the charity stripe. Put this kid with a big time playmaker at PG and he can be even better.
2) Nikola Pekovic, Minnesota Timberwolves – Overshadowed by a guy everyone loves, Nikola Pekovic is quietly one of the better rebounders in the game. He currently has a better PER than Chris Bosh, David West, Marc Gasol, AND Dwight Howard. He’s tied for 7th in Rebound Rate, right ahead of Dwight Howard. If Kevin Love decides to leave anytime in the near future, His numbers will no doubt improve, possibly to a nearly elite level. Over his last four games, he’s had three 20+ point games and two 15+ rebound games. Ricky Rubio and Alexey Shved will only get better, which should mean more opportunities for Pekovic to shine in the future.
3) Nikola Vucevic, Orlando Magic – The guy had 29 rebounds in a game.. AS A ROOKIE. What more can I say? Not to mention that’s the 3rd most in a single game by any active players, behind Kevin Love and Andrew Bynum. Pretty decent company to be in, right? He’s also a double-double machine. So far, he’s had 40 on the year, which is tied for 5th in the NBA this season. No, double-doubles are not going to get you into the All-Star game. However, being as consistent at them as Vucevic is at such an early age is a promising sign of things to come. He’s a very bright spot on a team without much talent to speak of around him. I’ve watched him play in person against my favorite, and possibly less talented, team. He’s constantly on the boards with no sign of slowing down. Orlando’s future looks a bit brighter with him around.
4) Derrick Favors, Utah Jazz – He’s a backup averaging almost 10 PPG and 7 RPG. Oh by the way, he can block shots too. He ranks 15th in the league in blocks per game off the bench. With a good combination of size and athleticism, Favors is set to soar as soon as the Jazz get rid of either him or Paul Millsap. Remember, this kid is already 21 and has shown spurts of greatness when given the chance. Almost every part of his stat lines has improved each year. If he can develop an above-average repertoire down low, then he may someday reach the All-Star level.
5) Kemba Walker, Charlotte Bobcats – Arise, young Skywalker. Ok, so maybe he’s not a Jedi Knight, but the name itself is appropriate. He is one of the lightest guards on his feet in the league. He’s also one of the quickest in the half court. What he lacks for in size (a whopping 6’1”, 184 lbs), he makes up for with determination and raw athleticism. He can defend just about any point guard in the league and can score with the best as well (8th in scoring among PGs with several less minutes per game). I think one day he can be possibly a top 5 PG, which should eventually get him into at least one All-Star contest.
By Jon Elliott
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