Power Forwards
Anthony Davis
2015-16 Season
PPG RPG BLKPG
23.8 10.9 2.8
Career
20.0 9.6 2.5
Last year when describing Anthony Davis game; I said “he was like a better LaMarcus Aldridge or a young Tim Duncan. “ This is what my homeboys and I used to call “putting sauce on it.” And that’s basically when you exaggerate the truth. Because the truth is Anthony Davis has emerged as the top power forward in the game. He is coming into his fourth season and has led his team to the playoffs once last year. He is demon on both sides of the court, regularly in the top three in blocks, rebounds, and points. And yes I will take him over LaMarcus Aldridge or any player at this position. But no, he is not like a young Tim Duncan. Or any age Tim Duncan! Just for a moment let me back that statement up and at the same time glorify the heroes of my hoop era. Because truthfully, Anthony Davis is more like Kevin Garnett than he is like Duncan. So I’m not trying to diminish AD’s greatness, because I think he has hall of fame potential. But let’s not get it twisted; we talking about the greatest power forward of all time! Don’t get me started! Because in order for you to feel how excited I get talking about the greatness of the “Dunc-Man!” I WOULD HAVE TO TYPE IN ALL CAPS!
He only averaged 21.1 points, 11.9 rebounds (you can say 12) and 2.5 blocks in his rookie season. By the time he was entering in his fourth season he was already a NBA champion. Once again, Anthony Davis is no Tim Duncan. On their way out the door let’s appreciate what we saw from these cats. From 93-03; we saw up to date, almost half of the top ten players of all time. I’m talking Jordan, Shaq, Kobe, Duncan and LeBron. That’s my decade, my prime years and talking about these brothers gets me emotional.
But back to Anthony Davis and how he is the updated version of Garnett; or better yet KG 2.0. Both started off in small market cities with mediocre teams; Minnesota and New Orleans respectively. Both have transcended the game with their size and athleticism. They came in the league young and we get a chance to see them develop on the court. The fact that we see hall of fame potential in Davis makes me believe he is getting overhyped. He still only has been to one playoff appearance and still doesn’t dominate night in and night out like he should. My guess is, just like KG, Davis will play his heart out and make individual history in the NO. But also like KG, he will have to go to a bigger stage with a better team to solidify his legacy.
Blake Griffin
2015-16 Season
PPG RPG BLKPG
24.7 8.3 0.6
Career
21.6 9.6 0.6
I was looking for a reason to not put Blake Griffin on this year’s roster. Just seem like he didn’t deserve it after his team lost in the playoffs to the Houston Rockets last season. The one thing that is becoming evident about Blake’s game is that he is not a finisher. He is not the go to guy that you can give the ball to in the last seconds of the game and he gets you a basket. To be honest, that’s enough right there to keep him off the list.
However when I look at DeMarcus Cousins, the next finalist for the slot; I don’t get overwhelmed. I don’t see the separation necessary to remove Blake from the spot. I haven’t seen Sacramento win nearly enough games to considered Cousins a difference maker. Even though I know he is an elite player, I don’t see top power forward at this stage of his career. I have heard analysts say he is the best big man in the game. I guessing from a talent stand point they are right. But right now for my money give me Blake. I feel Blake is a superior passer than Cousins. On any given night, he throws just as many lobs to DeAndre Jordan as Chris Paul does. He is above average defender and for 3 and half quarters he dominates a game.