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1. Dwight Howard – LAL: Even in an injury riddled down year, he still leads the league in rebounds (12.5 rpg) and is fifth in blocks (2.4 bpg). His laundry list of injuries has been a blessing in disguise of sorts, as he’s had to rely on his post skills rather than physical domination. Now if only he could improve that horrendous FT% (49% FT%).

2. Andrew Bynum (When Healthy) – PHI: With knees seemingly made of Chick-O-Sticks and Elmers Glue… Scratch that… Chick-O-Sticks are much sturdier… this may sadly be the last time we see his name on such a list. From his sanity questioning hair-don’ts, the infamous bowling injury, and his noticeable absence at most team functions, it’s obvious he still has a lot of maturing to do. When “I’ve never met another player in the league who likes basketball less” is the quote most associated with you, there is definitely room for concern. Let’s just hope his body allows him to try to capitalize on his vast potential and it’s not too late.

3. Marc Gasol – MEM: The most skilled big in the league; While he doesn’t WOW you with his numbers, he is a guy who can do a little bit of everything. His 3.9 apg rank second amongst bigs, and his defensive presence (1.0 spg, 1.7 bpg) has some mentioning him as a dark-horse candidate for DPOY. He is a classic example of a player whose intangibles outweighs his numbers. Look for his numbers to increase across the board come playoff time as he is more than capable.

4. Joakim Noah – CHI: His energy and intensity are matched by few, and he is the main reason Chicago has managed to stay afloat in the Eastern standings. His 4.1 apg and 1.2 spg rank first and third among bigs, and his 11.5 rpg and 2.3 bpg rank fourth and sixth respectively in the entire league. His 12.0 ppg is a career best, and his 75% FT% is one of the better marks in the league when it comes to bigs making him one of the most well rounded players in the league overall.

5. Al Horford – ATL: He is rapidly developing into one of the few legitimate 20-10 threats in the league, and his passing is top five among bigs (3.2 apg). He is currently posting career highs in points (17.3 ppg), rebounds (10.1 rpg), and steals (1.0 spg), and is putting up one the better F@$# you campaigns since being overlooked as an All-Star.

6. Brook Lopez – BKN: He deservingly made the All-Star team for the first time this year after initially being snubbed, and look for him to make a few more barring major injury. He possesses arguably the most refined array of post moves in the league and is an excellent rim protector (2.1 bpg), but it’s his low rebounding numbers (7.1 rpg) that have him ranked this low. If only him and his defensive minded alter ego Robin Lopez could somehow learn the Dragon Ball Z fusion dance…

7. Al Jefferson – UTA: One of the most slept on players in the league period! He plays in the mold of the classic big who can give you around 20 and 10 any given night, it’s a shame he’s never been voted to an All-Star game. His 77% FT% is very respectable for a big, and at only 28 years old he is right in the thick of his prime.

8. Tyson Chandler – NYK: Another classic example of a player whose intangibles outweigh his production, what he brings to his teams cannot be measured in traditional stats. He has transformed a traditionally lackluster defense in New York into one of the most efficient in the league, and was viewed as the missing puzzle piece that saw Dallas win their first championship in 2011 . He was named an All-Star for the first time in his career this season, and while his scoring numbers may leave something to be desired, he clearly makes the most of his opportunities as evidence by his league leading 64% FG%.

9. Greg Monroe – DET: The second youngest player on this list at 22 years of age (2 months older than Demarcus Cousins), the young fella has a very bright future ahead of him. His 1.3 spg and 3.3 apg rank second and third respectively amongst bigs. With the ascension of fellow teammate and uber-big man prospect Andre Drummond, he may be shifting to his more natural PF position as early as next season.

10. Demarcus Cousins – SAC: Would be much higher on this list if he wasn’t such a head case, he displays all-around talents that come second to none in terms of bigs. He can literally do it all, it’s just a matter of him wanting to be great at this point and putting his ego to the side. It’s not uncommon to see him put up a stat line like 25-10-5-2-1, but on the flip side for every game he produces those number he seemingly has another where he disappears or gets ejected. He can look like the best big in the league when he wants to, right now it’s just a question of how bad he really wants it.

Rounding out the list:
11. Anderson Varejao – CLE: Was having a monster year before injury.
12. Anthony Davis – NOH: Will own this list eventually.
13. Roy Hibbert – IND: Has seemingly regressed since last year,
14. Nikola Vucevic – ORL: Has been sneaky good this year, and has a very bright future.
15. Omer Asik – HOU: Has put up respectable numbers in his first starters gig on a playoff bound team.

Thanks for reading!

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