5 'Big Men' Who Have Surprised This Season

The likes of Joel Embiid, Kristop Porzingis and Giannis Antetokounmpo have set the court on fire this season like most pundits had expected. However, there have also been other ‘big men’ who have quietly gone about their business this year and have impressed one and all so far.

With more than other a quarter of the season in the books, here is a look at the five Power forwards/Centers who have surprised us this season.

#5 Enes Kanter

Kanter has been solid for the Knicks this season

Enes Kanter was one of the fresh additions to the New York roster this season and has been at ease playing as the starting center. Averaging around 25 minutes/game so far, the Turkey native has put up healthy numbers averaging a double-double. He has also been shooting a career-best 60.1% from the field.

In his short time with the organization he has become a fan favorite among the MSG faithful for his passion to play hard and commitment to his team and teammates. This later was on full display in a recent game against the Cavaliers where Kanter confronted LeBron James after the Cavs forward had bumped his rookie teammate, Frank Ntilikina.

#4 Domantas Sabonis

The Lithuanian has often led the Pacers front court this year — Sabonis has often led the Pacers frontcourt this year

The second generation NBA star has been one of the finds of the season so far, adapting to the fast-paced style of the Indiana Pacers extremely well. In the absence of their star center Myles Turner, he paired up with Victor Oladipo to lead the Pacers to a start that exceeded all expectations.

Sabonis has doubled his production in terms of points and rebounds this season and has emerged as one of the best 3-point shooters in the league (45.5%). His skills from beyond the arc is not a major surprise though considering his father, Arvydas Sabonis, was one of the notable 3-point shooting centers of all time.

#3 LaMarcus Aldridge

Aldridge finally seems to be settling into his life at San Antonio

Aldridge definitely did not do his reputation any good by having back to back below par years with the San Antonio Spurs. But this season, the 5-time All-Star finally seems to have found his rhythm. Aldridge has stepped up big time for the Spurs in the absence of their star forward Kawhi Leonard and has led them to a solid 19-8 start.

He has shown significant improvement on the offensive end with his production increasing from just 17.3 points per game last season to an impressive 22.7 points per game this time around. But most importantly he has found that lost confidence which he had in Portland to put the team on his back down the stretch and get the job done on both ends of the floor.

#2 Nikola Jokic

Jokic has led the Nuggets to a strong start this year

The Serbian center had a stellar 2016-17 season and has continued to impress this year. Jokic is considered by many as one of the most versatile big men in the league with exquisite shooting and ball-handling skills. Apart from averaging an impressive 16 points and 10 rebounds per game, Jokic has shot over 40% from beyond the arc and ranks second among centers in the league in assists. The 22-year-old, who is into his third season in the league, has already emerged as the leader of the Denver franchise and is poised to lead the Nuggets to their first playoff appearance in five years.

#1 Clint Capela

Capela has gone from strength to strength in his NBA career so far

While James Harden justifiably takes most of the credit for Houston’s phenomenal start to the season, Clint Capela has played a major role in the Rocket’s dominance on the court. Now in his fourth year with the Rockets, Capella is arguably the most underrated center in the league. This season, the 23-year-old has been assigned more responsibility on the court than ever before and he has responded in the best possible way.This year, he has been one of the best in the league around the rim shooting at an astounding 67% percent from the field. He is also ranked in the top 10 in NBA in offensive rebounds and blocked shots.