Giannis is closer to a center than he is to a wing. Same for AD, although he's got LeBron there straddling the line between PF and SG/PG.
Is that why Joel, Jokic and Gobert haven’t sniffed a title and they are the best centers in the NBA? Jokic is a two time, back to back, MVP and isn’t even near a title. Many people think Joel should’ve won some MVPs as well.
The NBA has moved beyond centers. The pace is just too quick. The days of slow, half-court, plodding offenses are long gone.
If we could trade Dame for an elite wing of the same caliber, yes, which is like a handful of players. But even then, that’s not an apples to apples comparison and I think you’re trying to be difficult and making a stupid comparison. Elite wings > elite guards > elite centers in the modern NBA. Everyone knows that.
I agree, as do many other people. I think the guy I was responding to is intentionally being difficult.
Anthony Davis literally refused to play center ala LMA forcing them to get Drummond (and other centers) and was called soft for years due to his willingness, or lack thereof, to play center. Giannis also dribbles the ball up the court and initiates the offense a lot of the time and just plows his way into the middle. He plays nothing like a center (that I’ve ever seen). How often does Embiid cross people over from behind the 3pt line and storm in for a jam? Anyhow, neither of them are similar to a big traditional center. And AD had an elite 2 way wing (LeBron).
Then give me an explanation why the Golden State Warriors used a number 2 pick to draft a Center. That is a much better franchise currently than the Portland trailblazers.
not getting your logic. GS made a mistake, so let's also make one? And also, Wiseman is a better prospect than Duren. far more skilled and better BBIQ.
They weren't going to take Lamelo. I think Wiseman was probably the BPA at that point. Looking back at that draft, there isn't a clear cut better player taken immediately after him.
he's got some of the best advanced stats among all prospects in the draft this year on both ends of the floor. and his combine measurements are terrific. i would take eason before duren @ 7 if we don't trade down.
If Wiseman hadn't got hurt would it still be a mistake? I guess one could argue that centers are more likely to get hurt so don't draft them high. But talent-wise I don't think it was a mistake. Although I think Duren is a better defender.
Name a team that doesn't have an elite big who would NOT want to have Jokic or Embiid on their team AND pay them. Since I expect no takers ... I agree with others that expecting a center, today, to lead a team in scoring is unlikely. Guards and wings. But having a center who is elite and does just that? Be happy that's what you've got. Punish teams inside and out, get to the line, put them in foul trouble ... a 6'10, 250 lb. Banchero could easily be called a 'modern day' center. And he's slotted for Top 4. At 7 (assuming Portland uses it), is there is a BIG worth that pick? BPA and tiers. If it's in conjunction with trades, do the Blazers come out better for the pick and trade? I don't have Duren as my top pick at 7. He's not higher than 3rd or 4th out of about 6. He is the ONLY center (with the 3 forwards being forwards at the top of the draft) who I see in the top 10. Maybe the whole lottery. Conversely, there isn't an average size PG or SG (outside of Ivey or maybe Sharpe) that I'd want there, either. But I will say this: If Portland picks Duren (either trading down to 9 or staying at 7), then I'm hoping they see him as THAT guy who will make a trade (or sign and trade) of Nurkic happen for a forward. [Looking at you, Toronto.][3-teamer with Phoenix, etc.]
The Warriors have dominated the past decade primarily because have multiple HoF talents plus a great supporting cast filled with team players. It's not Joel or Jokic's fault that their teammates aren't close to the supporting cast of the Warriors. The Bucks had a legit Big 3 and a nice supporting cast last year too. I know I'm probably pretty lonely on this, but MJ doesn't win all those titles without Scottie and some really nice pieces on the Bulls. Hakeem dominated the league for a decade but it wasn't until rookies Horry and Cassell showed up that there was a decent supporting cast around him... Vernon Maxwell and Otis Thorpe weren't cutting it. Stars win, but it's a team game STOMP
The 93-94 Bulls did win 55 games, 3rd most in the conference. Without Jordan. Take Embiid off of his team, where would they be?
