For the past 5 seasons the NBA has seen the rise and sustained dominance of big men Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Evidenced by the fact that Joel Embiid is the current MVP, and Jokic and Giannis combining for the previous four MVP titles.
Before the rise of these big men, the league had been, and arguably still is, obsessed with wing players. Versatile wings that can give a team some ball-handling and decent speed, while also having enough size to guard multiple positions have been seen as the ultimate prize for NBA teams trying to win it all.
Teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and the Clippers have been known to hoard a glut of wing players. However, Embiid, Jokic, and Giannis are proving that there are other ways to win, and can potentially be the start of a return to big man dominance in the NBA.
Perhaps even more interestingly, unlike the big men of the 90s(arguably the golden age for big men in the NBA), today’s talented triumvirate are not relying strictly on superior size and post moves. And they are all relying on entirely different skill sets from each other to get the job done.
Joel Embiid has just enough of a perimeter shot to keep defenses honest, and the size and post moves of big men of yesteryear. Pair this with his potent post defense and relatively sharp ball-handling, and you have a player that essentially gives you most of the advantages of both a wing and a center.
Jokic is an offensive unit unto himself, and arguably one of the greatest offensive players in the history of the Association. With elite passing and playmaking, high basketball IQ and a jump shot with reasonable range, Jokic is a match-up nightmare for over 99% of the league.
And then there is the Greek Freak himself, arguably the best player in basketball today is a rangy, athletic big man who can pass, handle the ball, and Euro-step to the basket at will. And still manages to be a top 3 defensive player in the league on any given night.
These three players are redefining what it means to be a big man in today’s NBA. No longer are they the lumbering behemoths who are only capable of scoring in the post and grabbing rebounds. They are now versatile players who can handle the ball, shoot from outside, and create for themselves and their teammates.
Embiid, Jokic, and Giannis are leading the charge for a new era of big men in the NBA, and their success is leading to a renewed appreciation for the position. Teams are starting to realize that having a dominant big man can be just as effective, if not more so, than having a stable of wings.
However, it’s not just their individual skills that make them so successful. It’s also the way they play with their teammates. All three are unselfish players who are willing to pass the ball and create opportunities for their teammates. They have a knack for making everyone around them better, and this is a crucial aspect of their success.
In addition to their individual skills and team play, these three players are also incredibly durable. All three have played in over 90% of their team’s games over the past few seasons, which is a testament to their work ethic and commitment to the game.
But what sets these three players apart is their ability to step up in big moments. They are all clutch players who are not afraid to take the last shot or make the big play when their team needs it most. This is a quality that is rare in any player, but especially in big men who are often seen as less nimble and less able to create their own shot.
While these three players are currently dominating the league, it’s worth noting that they are not alone. There are several other big men who are making a name for themselves, including Anthony Davis, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Bam Adebayo, among others. However, it’s clear that Embiid, Jokic, and Giannis are at the forefront of this new wave of big men, and they are likely to continue dominating the league for years to come.
So what does this mean for the future of the NBA? Will we see a return to big man dominance, or is this simply a passing trend? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the game is evolving, and players like Embiid, Jokic, and Giannis are leading the way.
As the league continues to evolve, it’s clear that the big man position will continue to play a crucial role. Teams will always need players who can score in the paint, grab rebounds, and protect the rim. But now, they also need players who can shoot from outside, handle the ball, and create for themselves and their teammates.
The holy trinity of Embiid, Jokic, and Giannis are proving that big men can be just as versatile and effective as any other position on the court. They are ushering in a new era of big man dominance, and their success is inspiring a new generation of players to embrace the position and all that it entails. The future of the NBA is bright, and it’s thanks in part to these three incredible players.
