1. Shaquille O'Neal, Miami: He changes the game. You have to gear your defense around containing him. He's an unstoppable force. Blah, blah, blah. You've heard it all before about the Diesel, who remains the best despite the fact his production has steadily declined. He's learned to pace himself for the playoffs, so you have to deal with him floating through the regular season, but his contributions can still win you a ring. He'll look for one for the thumb in '07. 2. Dwight Howard, Orlando: He'll be just 21 in December, but looks ready to enter the conversation when speaking about the game's top big men. He had more rebounds than anyone else last season, and his offensive game continues to grow. Getting in extra work with Team USA this summer is only going to accelerate his development. It's no surprise that Dwyane Wade, who would know, has called Howard a younger version of Shaq. 3. Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix: Had Stoudemire not required knee surgery last October, he might have already topped this list -- and O'Neal might not have picked up his fourth ring. The Suns excelled without Stoudemire but might have won it all with him on board, especially if he could've picked up where he left off in 2005. He put in the rehab work to bounce back strong, but it remains to be seen whether his body cooperates. In putting him this high on this list, I'm betting the 23-year-old is successful in his comeback. 4. Yao Ming, Houston: After coming back from toe surgery last season, he finally started to become the dominant presence he has long been expected to be. Yes, Tracy McGrady was out, so Yao got more looks, but it was his assertiveness that commanded attention. Check out these March averages: 27.6 points, 11 rebounds. Then he went out and broke his foot. With last year's cursed season behind them, the Rockets hope Yao can stay healthy and repeat as the leading scorer among centers.5. Chris Kaman, L.A. Clippers: A breakout season is coming up for the floppy-haired "Kaveman," who posted career highs in points and rebounds last year, nearly averaging a double-double. His continued development will be a vital factor in the Clippers continuing their ascent up the Western Conference. He has excellent footwork and never takes a play off.6. Marcus Camby, Denver: The 2005-06 season was one of his most productive, but he again missed time due to injuries. Assorted aches and bruises kept him out of 26 games, but he averaged more than three blocks and nearly 12 boards while posting his highest scoring output since his rookie season. At this point in his career, you take that and hope he doesn't stay out too long when he does land on IR.7. Ben Wallace, Chicago: A big year awaits Big Ben. He has a new team to anchor, one that needs him to cover its deficiencies more than his last team did. Does he still have it in him? That's what critics of his recent big payday will openly ask. He'll be 32 when the season starts, and comes off a tough final playoff run with Detroit where dismal free throw shooting tempered his effectiveness. The Bulls are banking on him to help them take their next step, and if he succeeds, he'll have a chance at winning the Defensive Player of the Year award for an unprecedented fifth time.8. Nenad Krstic, New Jersey: He continued to improve last season to the point where you had to start considering the Nets' core as "Big Four." He's only 23 and progressing rapidly, so you can expect him to continue as one of the league's top offensive centers. Based on how well he played against Miami last playoffs, he's clutch, too.9. Mehmet Okur, Utah: His production may take a hit with Carlos Boozer probably taking on a larger role, but you can depend on Okur to still have nights where he carries the Jazz offensively. He responded to his larger role last season with career highs in points and rebounds (18.0 ppg, 9.1 rpg) and looks to be entering his prime.10. Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Cleveland: Unless last year was an aberration, the days of "Big Z" being an All-Star appear over. His production dipped a year ago and he really disappeared in the past playoffs, when he barely averaged 10 points a game. While I wouldn't throw dirt over him just yet, the 31-year-old's career looks on the downswing.11. Andrew Bogut, Milwaukee: I wouldn't be surprised to see the Aussie average 15 points and 10 boards in his second season, quieting those underwhelmed by his rookie offering. He has the post to himself with Jamaal Magloire and Joe Smith now out of town.12. Brad Miller, Sacramento: His rebounding took a huge hit last year, so he kind of looks like he's slowing down, but he's still a guy you want on your team. He facilitates offense as the best passer at his position and plays the game with contagious intensity. I suspect as he starts reaching physical limitations, he'll get smarter to compensate.Schedule13. Tyson Chandler, New Orleans/Oklahoma City: He'll be 24 in October, so it's time to produce. The Hornets are going to give him a canvas to flourish with, complete with guaranteed playing time, a brilliant point guard and a fresh start. He's never going to be a great offensive center, but he can still make positive contributions by rebounding, defending consistently and staying out of foul trouble.14. Eddy Curry, New York: Isiah Thomas' future rides on Curry's play this season, so you wonder if that will light a fire under him. Something has to. He's got the physical gifts, but needs to hustle and get after it. It's embarrassing that he's this far down this list.15. Nazr Mohammed, Detroit: He has big shoes to fill, but that's the driving force behind his move to Motown. Mohammed is hungry to play and prove himself, which is why he opted not to return to the Spurs after seeing his role diminish in the playoffs. He's at a point in his career where he wants to put his stamp on a team, having played supporting roles everywhere he's been. This is his chance to claim some of the spotlight. Expect the classy veteran to succeed.16. Kwame Brown, L.A. Lakers: This is his debut in any rankings not detailing busts, so congratulations are in order. He has finally started to scrape the surface of his potential, flourishing in particular when Phil Jackson put him at center. That's probably where Brown's future lies. It's still not too late for him to avoid becoming Michael Olowokandi.17. Alonzo Mourning, Miami: You know O'Neal is going to need a mini-vacation at some point, and luckily, Miami has the best backup in the game. Although his offensive game has regressed significantly, his contributions of defense and toughness are invaluable. Zo was among the league's top shot blockers last year despite his limited minutes.18. Joel Przybilla, Portland: His decision to return to the Blazers rather than head to Detroit was puzzling, but it's clear he's a patient man. Provided he stays healthy, he should be the backbone defensively as Nate McMillan continues his rebuilding project.19. Samuel Dalembert, Philadelphia: People are starting to give up on him, so clearly his inconsistent act is getting old. Physically gifted, he should be making up for his lack of offensive growth by providing the staples of defense and rebounding, but he has only done that in spurts. This upcoming season will be a telling one for him.20. Jamaal Magloire, Portland: It's unclear where he fits in with Portland, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him help some playoff contender following the trade deadline. This guy was an All-Star in 2004 and still has plenty left. He's an above-average rebounder and shot blocker.Also considered: Ike Diogu, Golden State; Primoz Brezec, Charlotte; Brendan Haywood, Washington; Rasho Nesterovic, Toronto; DeSagana Diop, Dallas; Erick Dampier, Dallas; Jake Tsakalidis, Memphis; Mark Blount, Minnesota; Chris Mihm, L.A. Lakers. http://www.sportsline.com/nba/story/9625945
I could have laughed. But I cried. Dwight Howard is in no way better than Yao. Or Amare. Well, maybe, but to put Amare third after playing 3 games...Meija is really stupid all the time, actually.
