Gone Before Their Prime: In Memory of My Son

In honor of my deceased son David L. Wallace III and with the recent interest of the 20 year anniversary of the death of Reggie Lewis I decided to write about something different. I apologize in advance if this is sad or comes off as morbid. Often times we can get so caught up in the day to day, that we forget just how great certain people could've, should've and would've been. My son Trey for instance I am certain would've played ball. I played, my brother played, my father played and all of my uncles played. The lone difference between him and us, he would've been great.

I developed a love affair with the game of basketball. Not the And 1 Mixtape, all dunk and no defense game; The Real Game. I would've taught him the X's and O's, the appropriate way to use a screen and the value of the mid range jump shot. I would've focused on his natural strengths which almost certainly would've been length and quick feet. Genetically my family has height and a slow metabolism, my wife's family has a more stout build, but both sides are athletic. I figure he may have ended up around 6'4, 205 by 17, making him the perfect combo guard size. With that build the list of people to admire would've been cut down to 3. Tony Allen because of his defense and aggression. Russell Westbrook, because of his passion, heart and out right ability to own the opponent. Finally, Seth Curry; because no human alive right now can shoot it better when they are in a groove.

With that blueprint laid I would've assured him a free trip to college and the ability to flirt with a dream of playing in the League. This is the dream of several fathers in the world, so I don't feel guilty about wanting my son to learn the game I love. After all he eventually he may have asked me why I have Hoop Dreams tattooed on my right arm. I would've replied, "because its the best cautionary tale ever told about the game I love." This would've been more about sharing moments and teaching my son than just pawning off my dashed hopes and dreams. I could have used the time to bond, watch him grow and "if" he wanted to; blossom into a Stud Ball Player. It helps to dream when dealing with a loss such as this, at least it does for me. This way I don't have to focus on the fact that none of this will ever happen for him. I will still pass the game on to his brother Jax who is just 6 weeks old, but I will never forget "What Would've Been". David L. Wallace III (7/28/12-7/28/12))

Gone Before Their Prime:

1. Benji Wilson: In 1984, there were two great basketball players in Chicago. A newly drafted Michael Jordan (who would go on to be the greatest of all time) and Benji Wilson. Wilson rose to fame during the dawn of the "Crack Era", and was on his way. He went from frail, little know local ball player, to national player of the year contender in 3 years. He was a 6'7, 185 small forward with great ball handling skills and a smooth jumper (Dubbed Magic Johnson with a jump shot). He attended Simeon Vocational High School, the national powerhouse which has since churned out top prospects Derrick Rose and Jabari Parker. Many believed that earning a Division 1 scholarship was a mere formality en route to a sure fire Hall of Fame career. The world will never know, because sadly he was gunned down a few blocks from school. His death earned national attention because of a broken medical system in a city on the brink. Now as a reminder of his greatness and in honor of his legacy, all great players that pass through the halls of Simeon wear number 25. Gone, but not forgotten; Benji Wilson (3/18/67-11/21/84).

2. Hank Gathers: Big Hank Gathers gained fame in tandem with teammate and future NBA player Bo Kimble, while attending Loyola Marymount University. At 6'7, 210 pounds Gathers had the height and weight of a NBA player while still in college. Initially both Gathers and Kimble attended USC, but later transferred to LMU. Once they were eligible they led LMU to a 28-4 record, on the shoulders of Gathers putting up 22 points and 7 rebounds a game. The following season, he trumped that averaging 32 points and 13 rebounds per game, becoming only the second player in NCAA history to ever lead his team in rebounding and scoring. Hank Gathers passed away the way I believe all great players want to go out, in the middle of a game after a blistering alley-oop. He passed away within moments because of a improperly treated heart condition. His legacy will live on forever, because for a brief moment he was literally the center of the basketball universe. Hank Gathers (2/11/67-3/4/90).

Video below provided by ESPN via YouTube

3. Len Bias: Bias was all man. No two ways around it, he was expected to be "The Next Big Thing" in basketball. He dominated the ACC while at the University of Maryland and had legendary match-ups against the Greatness himself, Michael Jordan. He had a game that grew with time, but once he peaked he arrived. In 1986 and 1987 he was named ACC player of the year and earned every bit of it. He was 6'8, 210 pounds and in terms of physical stature would've certainly filled out like another 6'8 ball player currently dominating the league. Bias was drafted by the Boston Celtics in the 1986 draft and immediately hailed as the perfect apprentice for then Captain and Legend, Larry Bird. Considered by many to be the best player drafted since Jordan, he was supposed to join with Bird and close out the 1980's with several championship runs. Instead, Bias overdosed 2 days later while celebrating with friends. Like Wilson, his death serves as a reminder of where the country was in the 1980's and how powerful an impact the drug culture had on the African American community. Len Bias (11/18/63-6/19/86).

Video below is provided on YouTube, via ESPN and Grantland.

The Draft Fanatic

The Future of Team USA and Why Canada Might Be A Problem

Word has it that the King (LeBron James) has played his last game for Team USA and will not suit up for another go at a gold medal. You know what? There is nothing wrong with that, he along with Kobe Bryant helped return American basketball to its rightful spot atop the world's rankings. This speculation comes during the second day of the Team USA mini camp and on the same day that Kevin Durant and Kevin Love both pledged to participate in future international competitions. It's safe to say that the King has left the program in good hands. Its very reminiscent of Jordan and Magic handing the keys to Shaq and Grant HIll during the 90's. Now it's time for a new era and that is why Coach K, Jerry Colangelo and 29 of the best young talents in the world are in Las Vegas.

The group is highlighted by the NBA's closest thing to Charles Barkley in terms of stature and drama DeMarcus Cousins. The hyper talented big man from the Sacramento Kings should be a lock for a team that always needs size. If I were to guess, of those in Vegas he will be joined by Kyrie Irving, Paul George, Anthony Davis, Andre Drummond, Klay Thompson and John Wall. Loop those guys in with the likes of Blake Griffin, Russell Westbrook, Derrick Rose, James Harden, Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, Kevin Love and that should be the core group for 2014 and 2016. Not a bad blend of talent a cross the board. This of course is all speculation from my imagination, but I can't imagine their would be a better blend of talent than what I have named barring injury. Their will of course be a few additions and subtractions because of normal wear and tear from the upcoming season, but that is why you audition players a year out and make them commit for 4 years.

 

 

Many of the players in attendance already have ample international experience because of how the program has expanded in recent years. Colangelo has created a farm system starting at 16 and generally keeps a core group through a 4 to 6 year period. This helps younger players adjust to the different rules and dimensions of international play, so by the time they make the Senior National Team they are on par with the other countries that regularly abide by FIBA regulations. Ever since Colangelo took over the program has been uber successful and it probably helps to have one of the best coaches ever in Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski.

The Canadian Cold Front

Team USA should be primed for another successful two year run to Olympic Gold, but many of the same teams remain strong. Spain, Argentina, France and Russia have all continued to develop talented players both here and abroad. They will all pose a threat to Team USA, but one country not traditionally known for their basketball talents is on the horizon.

Team Canada may make the biggest leap in terms of progress and talent prior to the 2016 Olympics. They are led by Steve Nash who is that countries equivalent to Michael Jordan in terms of basketball royalty. They will be led by Andrew Wiggins, the biggest thing to happen to Canada since Warren Moon joined the CFL. They will also have 2013 lottery picks Anthony Bennett and Kelly Olynyk, Cleveland Cavalier Tristan Thompson and thats just the pros. Current college players Kyle Wiltjer, Nick Stauskas, Kevin Pangos and Brady Haslip are all elite shooters that will bolster the roster. The future of basketball is bright for a country known more for comedians (Jim Carey, Mike Myers and Seth Rogen are all Canadians) and hockey.

With the countries like Canada, Russia and Lithuania surging, the US National Basketball program must remain strong and continue to dominate the competition. This is only possible by ensuring the best young players remain committed like LeBron, D-Wade and Carmelo have done through the years to solidify a "Golden" Future.

Draft Fanatic

TANKEX 2014: The Race To Be Horrible for Andrew Wiggins

In an interview after winning the Gator Player of the Year Award, Andrew Wiggins (who many consider the best prospect in the world not in the NBA) expressed his desire to play for the Toronto Raptors. Ordinarily this would be a reason to gasp...but Wiggins is a Canadian and well, most kids grow up wanting to play for the home team. In the 18 years since their introduction to the NBA, the Toronto Raptors have essentially been door mats. They had a few moments of hope during the Vince Carter years, but could never string it together. They have gambled big: Marcus Camby, Vince Carter, Chris Bosh, Andrea Bargnani and Demar Derozan, but none of those players have delivered the team to the top of the league. So one would only assume that Toronto would be more than willing to stink up the joint right? Maybe not.

If you glance quickly the Raptors have a respectable roster, littered with some decent names and potential. They have Rudy Gay, who on any given night can deliver 30 point games when he is locked in. They have Demar Derozan and Kyle Lowry in the back court and if they can play great in a support role to Rudy Gay, this team has a chance at the lower seeds. The wild card in the bunch is Jonas Valanciunas. The third year big man from Lithuania has as much upside as any young center in the league and like Andre Drummond is on the verge of certain stardom. All of that young talent coupled with the recent hire of the Reigning Executive of the Year, Masai Ujiri and this team has a future.

So now you see the issue, they really might be too good to get as lucky as Chicago in 08 or Cleveland in 03 (Chicago drafted Derrick Rose in 2008 and Clevend drafted LeBron James in 2003). There is a chance though, say things don't start off the way they want and by January the season is starting to look like a lost cause. FIRE SALE!!!! Trade Gay, Derozan and Lowry, but keep Jonas because a big man is hard to find. Drop the majority of the remaining games and position yourself for the savior of Canadian basketball and potentially the best talent since LeBron. As of right now, they will likely draft in the mid teens, but if they swallow their pride and endure another losing season they can turn the franchise around completely.

As it stands Boston, Philly, Phoenix and Charlotte are guaranteed to be in the mix for the top pick. All of those teams have already positioned themselves in the "Riggin for Wiggins" sweepstakes and understand what he brings to the table. All four teams pawned off major players for a shot at "worst team of the year" with the understanding that the payoff will be huge. Worst case scenario they end up with Marcus Smart, Jabari Parker or Julius Randle; all great consolation prizes. Lets not kid ourselves though, LeBron was the clear choice in 2003 and Wiggins is the clear choice in 2014.

What would I do? TANK!!!!! I would sell off everything. I would do it for young talent and draft picks, like Boston is doing. Several teams are in need of wing scoring and Toronto has two players that pack a punch in Gay and Derozan. Some times you have to suck really bad, to become really good. Just look at OKC and Golden State for proof.

Best of the Summer Volume 1. Orlando

We are now down to the final day in the Orlando Summer League where we have had a chance to look at how the investments made on draft night should pay off. While summer league itself is a microcosm of what actual regular season play should look like, its often a good barometer. For Point Guards and Small Guards its about instincts, getting the team involved, playing through contact and decision making. For Shooting Guards its about feel for the game. Who can capitalize on the open looks, properly defend their opponent, get out in the open court and finish in transition. For the Small Forwards, can you create offense, rebound, guard multiple positions and shoot from the right shots. For Power Forwards, can you handle the physicality and rebound. For centers (easily the hardest position to play in summer) can you block shots without committing fouls, shoot the ball consistently from within 15-17 feet, operate out of the post and pass the ball when the shot doesn't exist.

While its early, during Summer League we gain a good idea of who at least wants to establish themselves. We learn who has something to prove and we learn who understands the importance of the moment. We also learn about those guys who have either found themselves struggling to get out of the D-League, or off the end of the bench and want to be in the rotation. This weeks Summer League was held in Orlando in a tournament style setting with incentive to compete harder. This is the more serious of the two Summer Leagues, with more scouts and general managers. The Las Vegas Summer League is all about making deals, the show and leaving a lasting impression.

I am going to go over the top talents this past week and some of the more disappointing performances. It's important to remember that Summer League isn't always a direct reflection of what will happen this fall, but more of a measuring stick. While some of your favorite players may have played at a sub par level, it could be the lack of preparation, nerves or just the setting itself.


THE A TEAM

1. Kelly Olynyk: The big Canadian has put forth a max effort all week. His shooting touch and rebounding skills have been on full display. So far the Gonzaga product has averaged 19.5 points and 8 rebounds. His ability to take the ball to the perimeter and hit the 20 footer will make him a ideal stretch 4.

2. Andre Drummond: The second year man from the Pistons has been on a war path. In 3 games (set out second game) he has averaged a monstrous 15 rebounds. He broke the rebound record twice in 4 days and was a match up nightmare. Scariest thing about Drummond, he is still a teen. He has also averaged 15.7 points and 2.7 blocks (6 in game one).

3. Jeremy Lamb: The sweet shooting 2 guard, may have made his case to fill the void left by Kevin Martin. Lamb has put on a clinic from the wing. His aggressiveness and swagger have grown substantially in his one year since being drafted. The former National Champion, has averaged 19 points (32 vs Philly) and 5 rebounds.

4. Victor Oladipo: Mr. Motor has been electric during his first week of professional basketball. Playing in all four games he has shown his well rounded game averaging 19 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals per game. His highlights include a step back game winner in the eye of fellow lottery pick Michael Carter Williams.


5. Terrance Jones: The second year man from Kentucky has performed at a high level for the undefeated Houston Rockets. His 15.8 points and 7 rebounds have only been half of the story. His leadership, energy and maturity have helped to erase some of the initial worries about Jones coming out of school.

THEY NEED SOME WORK

1. Trey Burke: The National Player of the Year has not had a good week. His shot has not been falling and often times he forced the issue. Most of the issues he had will be remedied with practice and coaching. Its important to remember that as poised as he was this past year at Michigan, he is still really young and this is a grown mans league. It wasn't all negative, he handled ball pressure well, got to the line and found the open man. He averaged 9 points (FG:21%,1-14 from 3), 4 rebounds and 3 assists.


2. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: The SEC player of the year shot the 3 horribly. Better than Burke, but not by much. He was able to keep his scoring average solid (12 points per game) with multiple trips to the free throw line, but his mid range and three point shot just were not falling. He isn't afraid to take contact and he was an active defender, but he will need to add muscle (KCP needs the Drummond diet).

3. Michael Carter Williams: Speaking of adding muscle, the wire thin MCW has been all over the place this past week. Some of which can be attributed to his lack of talented teammates. After a outstanding opening day performance (26 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists) he came back down to earth. Like the other rookies his shot selection was horrible and it will take time for his game to mature. His other large issue, was turnovers. MCW committed at least 4 turnovers per game and for a PG that's not going to cut it. As he gains strength, learns the pro game and works on his shot selection his game will grow.


DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH

1. Tony Mitchell: The Pistons second round pick is a physical freak of nature. He has "Big Play" potential written all over him. His game winning dunk against the Heat proved at any moment he can explode. His game is still raw, but working with Rasheed Wallace and Greg Monroe over the next year will help to polish his game.

2. Grant Jarrett: Mr. Jarrett can shoot the ball. That's essentially all that needs to be said. In the mold of Ryan Anderson, Steve Novak and Matt Bonner: he will step in and light it up. Size will allow him to rebound and be an additional body, but he is a specialist. Solid pick up by OKC.

3. James Ennis: The newest member of the world champs will be a welcomed addition to the bench. His length, athleticism and more importantly youth will prove valuable. He can score and defend on the wing. Playing behind LeBron James probably won't hurt his growth either.

4. Solomon Hill: The Pacers may have another hidden gem. In the past they have hit the jackpot with picks like Lance Stephenson and Paul George, so its safe to say they may have done so yet again. Hill can shoot the ball from deep, has great length and will be a capable defender.

The Draft Fanatic

Good Investment or Over Paid: Josh Smith

The summer of 2013 is looking good for the boys from Atlanta. I am not talking about Outkast or T.I. and Luda either, I am referring to Dwight Howard and Josh Smooth. Howard and Smith teamed up during their youth as a dynamic duo on the AAU scene before making the "leap" straight to the pro's. While Dwight Howard has carved out a niche as the games best big man, Smith has become the equivalent to a human Swiss Army Knife. Howard signed a max offer to play with the Houston Rockets after a drama filled season in L.A. where he essentially became public enemy number "1". Smith signed a 56 million dollar contract with the suddenly up and coming Detroit Pistons. Both players are in need of fresh starts, but this report is only about Smith.

Josh Smith: Career Stats: 15 ppg, 8 rebs, 2 blks
2013: 17 ppg, 8 rebs and 2 blks

Smith has a skill set that is larger than life, but his tendency to "GUN" from deep is his weakness. Smith has the ability to uses his size (6'9) and long arms to drive past opponents. He is great around the basket and can finish through contact. His wingspan and quick feet make him the ideal match up for premier wings such as Durant, James and Anthony, but his lack of consistent effort keeps him from being mentioned in that group. He can rebound like a power forward and block shots like a center, but does gamble allowing his man to take advantage of open opportunities. If he puts it together now that he will play his more natural position and cuts down on the sporadic three point attempts, the Pistons could be an ideal fit.

The Pistons have toiled in the dungeon the last few seasons due to numerous coaching changes, personnel issues and a general lack of talent. Their recent success through the NBA draft has allowed them to remain hopeful that things can get better. They have two of the best young bigs in the game playing side by side in Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe. They have a feisty young guard in Brandon Knight that can hit the three and like to compete and Kyle Singler was a breath of fresh air off the bench last season. They may have potentially struck gold this past year during the draft, selecting Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in the lottery. The athletic guard out of Georgia can shoot, defend, drive and he has good size at 6'6.

Andre Drummond: Rookie Season: 8 ppg, 8 rebs, 1 blk

Greg Monroe: Career: 13 ppg, 9 rebs
2013: 16 ppg, 10 rebs

So what does all of that mean in combination with a new coach and Josh Smith, who knows but I can tell how it should work out. With Drummond and Monroe manning the middle you can expect the lanes to be clogged up, unless Monroe can develop a respectable mid range game. That would allow Smith to operate from the elbow down and roll through screens on drives. Both Caldwell-Pope and Knight can lurk on the wings to provide long range cover. On the defensive end you finally have a line-up that can compete every night with elite teams because of the length, speed and athleticism. Smith as previously mentioned will match-up with any Small Forward in the league, meanwhile because of his size and speed Caldwell-Pope should prove to be more than useful against opposing two's. The steady play of Monroe teamed with the aggressive shot blocking ability of Drummond will make it hard to penetrate a once soft Pistons front court.



So how does this all actually work to every ones benefit? Smith cannot shoot more than 50 three's this season. If he is open and its from a sweet spot, then let it go. But if its early in the shot clock and the Pistons haven't set up the offense yet, terrible!!! Brandon Knight has to make the leap from a ok player to a really good player this year. He has made good strides, but its year three and its time to play. His defense must improve and he has to be willing to get the ball to the big fellas so they can establish themselves early in the post. Drummond must dominate, it's that simple. His size and growing skill set give him an advantage over most bigs, he needs to evolve and want to excel. The young wings such as Caldwell-Pope, Singler and Kim English need to provide consistent scoring to open things up for the front court. The two wild cards are Tony Mitchell the enigmatic forward from North Texas and Peyton Siva from Louisville. If they can get healthy bench production from these two, then this Pistons should be looking at the seven or eight spot in the playoffs. Things are finally looking up in Motown, hopefully the can keep it going.

 The Draft Fanatic

Dwight Howard: Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze?

We actually have a ending to what has become a 3 year saga, The Dwightmare. After LeBron James signed with the Miami Heat, the next major acquisition for people to ponder was the eventual free agency of Dwight Howard. As we all know, Dwight went over and beyond "The Decision" and created a world wind of controversy. He had a coach fired, a team stripped apart and became a larger than life villain in the span of 3 years. All of this after captivating the hearts and minds of basketball fans across the globe with his charisma, timeless dunk contest performances and even a trip to the finals. Dwight was once a lock for top 5 in the league, now its definitely up for debate because of his recent performances in the media and on the court.

Despite his sharp decline in popularity and offensive production, Howard still led the league in rebounding during the 12-13 season. From time to time you could see glimpses of Howard at his peak (which is weird to say seeing as how he is still really young), but he never quite put it together. His inability to sink free throws and the D'Antoni system of not maximizing his big man crippled him. Even with his sub par season with the Lakers, he is still the most coveted big man in the game and has more than enough years left in the tank to prove his worth. He may be the most coveted big man in the game, but is he the best and where does he stand going forward, thats what we need to ask ourselves. Has all the drama been worth it and if it has how do we measure that?

Before Howard came into the league, the NBA was going through a dry spell for "Traditional" big men. The last two actual impact bigs, Shaquille O'Neal and Tim Duncan had already achieved Hall of Fame credentials and were on the down swing. The "Modern Bigs" spearheaded by Kevin Garnett and Rasheed Wallace, were thriving and had opened the door for the "Non Traditional" big man. The Foreign/Hybrid wave brought us high skill, less physical bigs the likes of Pau Gasol, Dirk Nowitzki and Chris Bosh. Despite the evolution of the five spot, many teams and critics still longed for the traditional big. This led to the likes of Eddie Curry, Kwame Brown, Andrew Bogut and Kendrick Perkins being drafted with hopes of becoming dominant pivots.

In the years since Dwight Howard, the big man has seen a resurgence. Miami's brand of basketball has forced teams to choose sides. A team either goes really big along the front lines or attempts to become equally as athletic and goes away from the bigs all together. This is why Dwight Howard is such a hot commodity, he has the ability to become a great traditional big, while having all of the tools of the moder big. He doesn't shoot the ball as well as a Pau Gasol or Dirk Nowitzki, but he is more athletic. He has a great feel around the goal and is the best defender in the league not named LeBron James. In order for us to properly evaluate Dwight, we have to look at his counterparts. Below I have 3 sections. The first is all Dwight, the next is best 5 bigs statistically in the league and finally the new wave of bigs that can challenge for the crown. Use the information to determine for yourself whether or not he is worth it. Men lie, women lie...Numbers don't...(Jay-Z).

Dwight Howard
Measurements: 6-11, 265
Career: 9 years: 8 with Orlando, 1 with LA
Career Averages: 18 pts, 13 rebs, 2 blks
Defining moment: 2009: 40 pts, 14 rebs against Cleveland Cavs in ECF.
Story: Drafted in 2004 out of high school. Has the frame of a traditional big, athleticism of a swing man and is a Hall of Fame caliber defender. Commands a double team when on his "A" game and essentially can't be contained within 12 ft of the goal. He can step out to 16 feet and uses a baby hook around the goal. Can't shoot free throws, but many of the greats (Wilt Chamberlain, Shaquille O'Neal) couldn't either so can't really hold that against him.
Accomplishments: 3x Defensive Player of the Year, 7x All Star, 5x Rebound Champ

Top Bigs
1. Marc Gasol
Career Stats: 5 years, 17 pts, 8 rebs
Defining moment: 2013: 23 pts, 11 rebs, 6 blks vs OKC Western Conference Semis
Reigning Defensive Player of the Year

2. Joakim Noah
Career Stats: 6 years, 9pts, 9 rebs, 1 blk
Defining moment: 2013: 23 pts, 21 rebs, 11 blks vs 76ers (1 of 6 players to ever accomplish a triple double with 20 + points, 10 + blocks and 20 + rebounds)

3. Roy Hibbert
Career Stats: 5 years, 11 pts, 7 rebs, 2 blks
Defining moment: 2013: 21 pts, 12 rebs, 5 blks vs NYK Eastern Conference Semis

4. Brook Lopez
Career Stats: 5 years, 18 pts, 7 rebs, 2 blks
Defining moment: 2013: 38 pts, 11 rebs vs Dallas Mavericks

5. DeMarcus Cousins
Career Stats: 3 years, 16 pts, 10 rebs, 1 blk
Defining moment: 2012: 41 pts, 12 rebs vs PHX Suns

Next Generation:
1. Andre Drummond
Career Stats: 1 year, 8 pts, 8 rebs, 1 blk
Defining moment: 2013: 29 pts (10-11 fg), 11 rebs

2. Serge Ibaka
Career Stats: 4 years, 10 pts, 7 rebs, 2 blks
Defining moment: 2012: 14 pts, 15 rebs, 11 blks vs Denver Nuggets
Led league in blocks last 2 seasons

3. JaVale McGee
Career Stats: 5 years, 9 pts, 6 rebs, 2 blks
Defining moment: 2012: 23 pts, 18 rebs, 5 blks vs PHL 76ers

4. DeAndre Jordan
Career Stats: 5 years, 7 pts, 7 rebs, 1 blk
Defining moment: 2011, 14 pts, 20 rebs, 6 blks vs Denver Nuggets

5. Nikola Vucevic
Career Stats: 2 years, 10 pts, 9 rebs, 1 blk
Defining moment: 2013: 20 pts, 29 rebs, 2 blks vs Miami Heat

*Often hurt, but when healthy best equally as good as Dwight Howard:
1. Andrew Bynum
Career Stats:  7 years, 13 pts, 7 rebs, 1 blk
Defining moment: 2012: 16 pts, 30 rebs, 2 blks vs San Antonio Spurs
*When Bynum is healthy he is the best combination of skill and size on the block. Where Dwight Howard excels he is weak and vice versa. They are the Yin and Yang of basketball. If Bynum can come back healthy this season he will make a run for the top Big in the game.

Dwight Howard is clearly the top center in the NBA and it's not that close. His experience, size, defensive prowess and skill give him the edge. While Brook Lopez and a healthy Andrew Bynum are his largest competition, they still don't hold a candle statistically speaking. Marc Gasol is next in line and is consistently healthy, but his lack of explosiveness keeps him for capturing the crown. McGee and Jordan have the size, athleticism and shot blocking ability, but lack maturity. DeMarcus Cousins, Nikola Vucevic and Andre Drummond are all at least two seasons away, but have the ability to challenge Howard. Ibaka, Noah and Hibbert are all pivotal pieces on top notch teams, but aren't even the best players on their respective rosters which will keep them from rising to the top.

So in the end, it appears that he is worth the squeeze. This is just my opinion, but you can't say I didn't back it up.

The Draft Fanatic