2013-2014 CSL Top 5 (PF)

Ah, we're finally at the bigs. One could say that the CSL is seeing a golden era for bigs. Let's take a look.

*The standard is solely based on performance during the 2013-2014 season, and not who the best players are or who I'd want to have most. I tried to consider all factors, including team, record, efficiency, and etc.

1. LeBron James (OKC): 36.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 63.0% TS, 37.2 PER

While technically not a big, LeBron played pretty much the entire season at the PF position. He also had his best season to date, as the team relied heavily on him to do the heavy-lifting. The Thunder ran isolation with him when he came back and it was definitely effective, as the team was elite when that happened. Unfortunately, it was another ringless season for the King, this time losing to the Houston Rockets in seven games. Nonetheless, he was easily the best PF, if not the best player, in the league.

Is the PF position where he'll make the best of his abilities, though?

2. Derrick Favors (UTA): 20.3 points, 11.5 rebounds, 2.7 blocks, 51.1% TS, 23.9 PER

Favors had a breakout year no doubt. He led his team in scoring and to the 2nd round of the Playoffs, where the team lost only to the Thunder. He was the team's defensive anchor and had a tremendous season on that end of the floor statistically. He wasn't the most efficient on offense or anything like that, but he's shown that he's like a modern day Alonzo Mourning at least.

3. Kevin Love (MIN): 22.4 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 55.6% TS 24.9 PER

Had it not been for LeBron, we could easily call Love the best offensive PF in the game today. Obviously, he's nothing to write home about defensively, but he's such a versatile player on the other end, as he can play inside and outside, as well as draw fouls at a high rate. Let's not forget that he's one of the best rebounders in the game as well. Look for him to gain more recognition in the coming seasons as the young Minnesota team continues to get better and better.

4. Serge Ibaka (UTA): 14.9 points, 9.8 rebounds, 4.0 blocks, 56.8% TS, 20.7 PER

Ibaka had himself a very underrated season. He didn't make the All-Star team, but he's definitely one of the best defensive bigs in the CSL. He combined with Favors to create the best defensive frontline in the entire league. He led the league in blocks despite not playing too many minutes, and while he's not flashy offensively, he's a guy who's efficient and knows how to play within himself. He may never be the centerpiece of a team, but he's one of the most valuable two-way bigs in the league, no doubt.

5. Blake Griffin (WAS): 20.0 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists 56.3% TS, 21.7 PER

Like Love, Griffin gets his props as a player on the offensive end and on the boards. He's not quite up there with Love overall just yet, but there's no doubt he's one of the best scoring big men in the league already. Look for him to continue to improve and have a better season with an improved supporting cast with the Wizards.

Anthony Davis rollin' over in his grave...

Likely had this right until Blake beat out AD but it is opinion based, I think AD had a better season on both ends of the floor.

WillyJakkz (HOU) wrote:Anthony Davis rollin' over in his grave...

Likely had this right until Blake beat out AD but it is opinion based, I think AD had a better season on both ends of the floor.

AD played C the entire year, which is why.

orangeparka (MIA) wrote:

WillyJakkz (HOU) wrote:Anthony Davis rollin' over in his grave...

Likely had this right until Blake beat out AD but it is opinion based, I think AD had a better season on both ends of the floor.

AD played C the entire year, which is why.

Saw his DC with Jason Smith @ C and clicked on a few games with Smith @ C though you're right he played C most of the season.

Yeah I'm guessing that was because of injury or something.

wow missing some POR love big time LMA needs to step it up as he definitely belongs on this list

andrei (POR) wrote:wow missing some POR love big time :)LMA needs to step it up as he definitely belongs on this list

Hmm, I wonder who he can take off this list. Definitely a talented scorer and with POR getting better, wouldn't be surprised if he has a great year.

orangeparka (MIA) wrote:

andrei (POR) wrote:wow missing some POR love big time :)LMA needs to step it up as he definitely belongs on this list

Hmm, I wonder who he can take off this list. Definitely a talented scorer and with POR getting better, wouldn't be surprised if he has a great year.

Very strong list for sure and there are a few extra candidates that may also join like Nowitzki, Monroe, Milsap...

Interesting to think about it compared to the SF list we discussed yesterday

I knew AD wouldn't be listed here as he played almost exclusively at center this season. That may change depending on the makeup of my roster.

The CSL is definitely in the golden age of big men which is a good sign since there is going to be a dearth of big men in the upcoming draft classes.

I believe Derrick Favors played at C most of the year. Him and Ibaka are both on the PF list and playing on the same team, which doesnt make much sense.

Anyway, the list is spot on. These are the best power forwards, though I'd argue that Love is better than Favors.

Not trying to toot my own horn... but I put together a pretty kick ass team in Utah, especially with the bigs.

Dapralbe is in for some fun, make a couple good moves for a solid bench, and Utah could go very far.

PFs are def a deep group which is going to make gathering a list tough, but this is pretty accurate I would say. A good mix of respect to offensive and defensive bigs.

Jake0890 (MIN) wrote:I believe Derrick Favors played at C most of the year. Him and Ibaka are both on the PF list and playing on the same team, which doesnt make much sense.

Anyway, the list is spot on. These are the best power forwards, though I'd argue that Love is better than Favors.

You're right, actually Ibaka was the one that played the 5. I dunno how that slipped my mind when I even talked about them playing together LOL.

And Favors definitely had a better year though. He was such a force on both ends, especially defensively, something Love will never be able to do.

I think under new leadership and a better team around him, Love can regain that spot and put up monster numbers.

Dylan (SAC) wrote:Not trying to toot my own horn... but I put together a pretty kick ass team in Utah, especially with the bigs.

Dapralbe is in for some fun, make a couple good moves for a solid bench, and Utah could go very far.

I really liked the incarnation of the team with like Conley/Beal/KA/Favors or something like that, one with either Beal or KA in it. I understand you wanted to speed up the process a bit, but that team would've been crazy at its peak. You did a great job for sure, but right now the lack of an elite scorer on that team is the only thing that'll limit it IMO.

New UTA GM is in a good position either way.

Definitely a tough group to crack in to with the talent around. We have Jefferson and he's pretty decent but he'd be lucky to crack the top 10 with the talent floating around the league.

orangeparka (MIA) wrote:

Dylan (SAC) wrote:Not trying to toot my own horn... but I put together a pretty kick ass team in Utah, especially with the bigs.

Dapralbe is in for some fun, make a couple good moves for a solid bench, and Utah could go very far.

I really liked the incarnation of the team with like Conley/Beal/KA/Favors or something like that, one with either Beal or KA in it. I understand you wanted to speed up the process a bit, but that team would've been crazy at its peak. You did a great job for sure, but right now the lack of an elite scorer on that team is the only thing that'll limit it IMO.

New UTA GM is in a good position either way.

I'd say Favors is a good enough scorer. Never really had issues scoring points.

The original team would have been great in the future, for sure. But I didn't just want to speed up the process. I built a defensive minded team as well, all 5 players being solid defenders.

Particularly Ibaka, who is a defensive anchor. Something sorely needed on a young team like that.

dylan undoubtedly work is fantastic, I find myself with a team made ​​in the absence of renewal of gordon hayward, we think our franchise is undoubtedly derrick favors, and want to focus on our game, giving instructions and the improvement is that I think for the most scoring. reaches 82 and even more polishing his post game, you can get to level up howard, conley batum hayward and are complementary with good fundamentals and great defense, not to mention ibaka, which not only allows good pitches.
I do not think much touch style, if leverage magnifies defense they have, I'll try to put us only 90 to 92 points per game. I have a little fear of discipline and ibaka favors, but as we will see as we control.
the truth is that with this team in a couple of years can do great things for now peace and develop their potential.

Durant is awesome, but LeBron is just too versatile. I think he could be nº1 in the top5 of any position his coach decides to put him, from PG to C.

Tim Duncan says to talk to him when they have his pedigree.