New Orleans Pelicans superstar Anthony Davis has spent the last two seasons proving that he isn’t just the most dominant center in the NBA,, but one of the most dominant players in the game regardless of position. The arrival of Alvin Gentry as head coach was expected to push Davis’ fantasy numbers even higher, but that just hasn’t been the case. The reality is that the 22-year-old has likely already reached his max potential and with the rise of another superstar center on the west coast it appears there has been a slight changing of the guard so far this year. Here is a look at the top five fantasy centers from the first half of the NBA season.
DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings
The 25-year-old Cousins entered this season as the clear No. 2 fantasy center in the NBA and in terms of dynasty leagues he hasn’t climbed from that spot just yet. However, Cousins’ fantasy numbers from the first half of the season have actually been better than what Davis has done in New Orleans and in terms of this year alone he has ascended to No. 1 on this list. Cousins has averaged a ridiculous 26.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.3 blocks, 1.3 steals and 1.2 three-point shots per game so far this season, either matching or topping Davis in every one of those categories except blocks. Davis is still the tops among fantasy centerc in keeper leagues, but based on what they have accomplished so far this season alone it is Cousins at No. 1.
Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans
The fact that he has been bumped to No. 2 on this list isn’t an indictment on Davis as much as it is recognition that Cousins has been absolutely outstanding. Davis has averaged 23.4 points, 10.1 rebounds, 2.3 blocks, 1.8 assists and 1.3 steals per game so far this year and while he doesn’t take a lot of three-point shots he still has better field goal and free throw shooting percentages than Cousins. It’s also important to keep in mind that there has been a transition period for Davis under Gentry, that he is still just 22 and that there is the potential for his numbers to still improve the rest of the way in the second half this season.
Brook Lopez, Brooklyn Nets
There is definitely a drop off from 1-2 to No. 3 on this list, but Lopez deserves credit for putting together another solid statistical season on an absolutely terrible Nets’ team. Lopez has averaged 20.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game this season. He’s basically been a forgotten man in terms of real basketball but in fantasy, he’s been a very valuable asset. As the Nets roster has deteriorated, Lopez has become the centerpiece of their offense. He’s a near double-double on a nightly basis and those numbers could get even better down the stretch of the season as the Nets look to dump all sorts of contracts at the trade deadline.
Andre Drummond, Detroit Pistons
Greg Monroe’s exit from Detroit has allowed the Piston to unleash Drummond as their clear No. 1 big man and he has capitalized on the opportunity by simply dominating this season. Drummond has averaged 17.0 points, 14.9 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.5 blocks per game while the Pistons team around him has improved as well. While he has still struggled from the free throw line – that’s basically a category you give up on if Drummond is on your fantasy team – his field goal percentage is better than any player ranked ahead of him on this list.
Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves
The 20-year-old Towns is looking like a lock to win the NBA Rookie of the Year award with numbers that already have him ranked among the top-five fantasy centers in the NBA right now. The first-overall pick from the 2015 NBA Draft has averaged 17.1 points, 10.1 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 1.4 assists so far this year and his .544 field goal percentage and .852 free throw percentage are the best marks of any player on this list. Towns is already an absolutely dominant force and he will only continue to climb as he develops in to an elite NBA center.
