Centers of Attention
Added on Feb 28, 2013 by Scott in
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It’s no great secret that the center position in the NBA has become less important over the years. Scoring guards and hybrid forwards rule the league these days, and with up tempo offenses all the rage, half court attacks built around one dominant inside threat are practically obsolete. With the exception of Dwight Howard, Chris Bosh, Tyson Chandler, Brook Lopez and Joakim Noah, most centers are unrecognizable to all but die-hard fans. Here are five players on the rise.
DeMarcus Cousins (Sacramento) – Cousins is a headcase with a questionable work ethic, but his talent is at an All-Star level. He’s averaged a double-double for the last two seasons and is a career 71% free-throw shooter. The Kings are dreadful and his future with the team remains cloudy. If he lands on a big market contender, he can become a household name.
J.J. Hickson (Portland) – Considering he’s enjoying a career year with the Blazers, it’s hard to believe he was simply waived by the Kings last March. He’s averaging 13.1 points, 10.4 rebounds and is hitting a career best 57% from the field. Consistency on a nightly basis is still a problem, but he may have found a home in Portland at just 24 years of age.
Greg Monroe (Detroit) – If the Pistons ever surround Monroe with some legitimate perimeter talent, he could emerge as a star in the Eastern Conference. He leads the team in scoring, rebounding and steals. His shooting touch and ball security both need work, but his athleticism is abundant. At 22, Monroe has plenty of years to refine his game, especially if he’s relieved of a portion of the offensive burden.
Nikola Pekovic (Minnesota) – It took a few years for Pekovic to become a full-time NBA player, but the 27-year-old Yugoslavian born big man has improved each of his three seasons. Unfortunately, the T-Wolves are terrible and not many are aware of his skills. He’s been particularly solid while Kevin Love recovers from a broken hand. If Love and Ricky Rubio can stay healthy at the same time, Pekovic will complete a trio packed with potential.
Omer Asik (Houston) – James Harden deserves most of the credit for the Rockets offensive output this season, but additions like Jeremy Lin and Asik have also proven valuable. Asik ranks third in rebounding and has seen his minutes increase as the season has progressed. His 16 points and 22 rebounds in a loss to Milwaukee last night is indicative of his abilities in the paint. His future appears bright, especially if Houston finds a credible scoring option to play alongside him in the paint.
