[SlickBouncePassParticipant]

I like that kid a lot. I don’t give a lot of people props, but I like that kid a lot, man. "I think he got a great chance of being the best big in this league… after I retire."

Thats what Cousins had to say yesterday after playing Embiid.  Embiid has now played against Towns Cousins and Brow, here are my thoughts:

vs. Towns: Towns was more dynamic.  Had his body well tuned and very well coordinated.  Is strong and can bang against the length of Embiid, and I think probably has a better outside shot than Embiid too.  Embiid is the better defensive player, and the hope is Embiid will have is legs underneath him next year and will be coordinated like Towns.  In that case, you have to like Embiid better than Towns due to Embiid’s length, but I can’t say that with confidence.

vs. Cousins:  Embiid showed his man-strength to cousins.  Embiid can bang down low, but again, is missing layups that should be dunks once he gets his legs working with his core and arms.  Cousins is really good in his ability to shoot and take other bigs off the dribble, like Jah.  He is also a veteran and understands how to pass out of double teams and find his teammates.  Joel is still learning to pass out of doubles.  But Joel due to his length will score more easily than Cousins.  I still think Cousins has an advantage over most bigs in the league because he is faster and stronger, but I do not see that being the case vs. Embiid in the future.  I think Embiid projects as too much strength and length and a guy with every move, he’s a better prospect than Cousins offensively, and we didn’t even mention defense.  Cousins’ defense is lackluster and lazy for most of the game, Embiid is by far the better defensive player.

vs. Brow:  I think y’all saw it with me, Embiid had Anthony Davis frustrated due to his length.  Anthony Davis as the game went along and Embiid sat and got into foul trouble, was able to have the better game overall, especially as the game went along.  So Davis is the more mature veteran, his teammates find him in better spots, and he right now is a better scorer.  On Defense I think Embiid has the light edge.  Embiid is more of a post-presence shot blocker where Davis they have him playing on the perimeter a lot.  Embiid will be stronger, hopefully Simmons and company find Embiid in better spots.  But Davis is the more seasoned vet, BUT, one on one, Embiid really had him frustrated and I think Embiid’s a lot stronger which will help him.  Embiid also is way better in the post than Davis whose Post-moves aren’t very impressive due to his lack of strength.  I gotta go Embiid here with the brighter future.

Besides, Cousins said he could be the best big in the league soon, I don’t doubt it.  

I think Embiid and Towns will be fighting for the best big in the league in 2 years.  Cousins has the best overall game established in the offense set at SAC right now, but is weak on defense. Anthony Davis shows flashes but is very limited by his strength.  The best overall games belong to Towns and Embiid, and it all depends on whether Embiid can get his legs strong and stay healthy.  Embiid is the best true big man with the best big man moves in the game.  Let’s see if he can take advantage of being the elite post-scorer that he can be.  Nobody has post-moves, strength, and length, like Embiid.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Hype Machine]

NBA championships are won by a combination of talent and innovative play styles. The Piston bad-boys, Jordan Bulls, Shaqs teams, Spurs, Warriors, Lebrons teams etc all play a distinctive style that no other team can replicate (or stop).

Embiid will go to another level when Simmons hits the court and provide a 2-man skill set that no other team possesses. 

An innovative coach is needed to give them a system that maximises their talents…when the time is right.

As for best young big….the battle is between Embiid and Porzingis for me. Towns is a below average defender at his position despite being equal (possibly better) offensively. 

 

 

 

 

[Hype Machine]

I believe that a defensive minded big is what wins championships. Even at the expense of offense.

I also think Marc Gasol and Draymond Green are the best bigmen in the league now. 

 

Guys like Towns, Boogie and Okafor are too easy to score against.

They might give you a 5pt advantage on offense, but if theres a 5pt disadvantage on defense (compared to Gasol, Embiid) then you essentially have a league-average player. 

I’m a tough critc but this is the conversation for BEST big. I can handle certain weaknesses, but defense cant be one of them.

[festar35Participant]

I agree with the defensive thing being a big factor.
Given that I really have high hopes for Kristaps Porzingis and Myles Turner as they are very talented offensively along with having a lot of defensive potential.

Turner in particular at 20 years of age is 3rd leading blocker in the league and has a great knack for altering shots, he has been the only bright spot for the Pacers this season. He has amazing instincts and timing when it comes to blocking shots, he is very natural on that end of the floor once he learns positioning and gets a bit more size he could be lethal.

[SlickBouncePassParticipant]

BUT, its funny how y’all don’t even mention Anthony Davis with these guys, who is of similar build.  I think he’s being overlooked.

Towns, Cousins, and Embiid all have grown man strength.  Whereas those guys have length, these guys can mess you up in the paint and get you into foul trouble.

Thats why you have to love Embiid, length, strength, perimeter skill, post skill.  Only thing he is lacking right now is his legs and coordination, and I think he’ll have that by next year.

He has the most potential of them all, basically because he is the best out the post, he has the most moves.  

 

 

  

[Kokayne_DawkinzParticipant]

 Towns can switch onto smaller players which is something that is very valuable in today’s game. Embed can’t do that I ether can Porzingas

[Hype Machine]

 I dispute that

[holefillers1Participant]

 Agreed. If Embiid steps out and pins you on the sideline, you call a time out or turn the ball over.  Guess no one say that strip steal and run out by Joel last night.  Outran everyone on Sacramento,  while dribbling

[Bankroll PJParticipant]

 In theory that’s what one would believe, but I’ve seen a few articles that use metric stats to show how Towns is one of the worst defenders among starting bigs. You would think with his size and athleticism that he would be a great defender, but that’s not the case. I, myself, dislike using metrics in arguments, but it’s hard to argue against them.  This, coupled with the fact that metrics also show Wiggins as an extremely poor defender, offers support to why the Timberwolves are struggling so much this season.  Despite the addition of Thibs, this team still can’t defend and won’t come close to becoming contenders until their stars become above average defenders.    

[SlickBouncePassParticipant]

doesn’t know how to play off each other and play team defense.  As much as they "like each other", more importantly its about playing with each other and becoming 1 unit, like the Cavs have become on Defense.

Minnesota looks good on paper, so does Milwaukee, but everyone has to gel, they are missing leadership.

Philly has that with Embiid and Simmons, two guys that will outduel you and make everyone around them better.

 

  

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