Mo’ Better Bigs

Alonzo Mourning… I know not everyone’s cup of tea, but I liked what he brought to the court – grit.  And he has been one of the better big men in the league for much of his career.  Despite staying on in Miami, and playing a somewhat limited role, his presence within the Heat has been an undeniable boon (given Shaq’s a cert to miss at least a third of a season).

Rather than come up with tribute of Zo’-clips et al, perhaps a look at some of the better big men in the league at the moment, in salutation to Alonzo Mourning.
In no particular order…

1. Dwight Howard – Dwight’s really starting to become a BEAST this year.  Leading all comers in rebounds, points per for centers, and at nearly 3 blocks a game, he is the keystone of a much improved Orlando Magic. 
   With the seeming demise of the Miami Heat, the Magic-men look a lock to win the South East – and this can be directly attributed to Howard, the Beast of the East.
2. Marcus Camby – a fantasy leaguer’s dream center, Camby gets nearly 3-and-a-half blocks a game, and 14+ rebounds.  Yes, low on points, but Camby’s defensive efforts are second to none in the NBA. 
   Definitely a bonus when you have ‘Melo and AI on the court…
3. Chris Kaman – without a doubt wins the “Most Likely To Be Hiding An Axe Under The Bed Award”, don’t let those long … errr… flowing… lank locks fool you.  Kaman’s turned into a bit of a monster this year himself. 
   Early Clipper successes could be pinned on Kaman’s shoulders – at both ends of the floor.  Pity the rest of the lil’ LA franchise are so pathetic.
4. Andrew Bynum – guy must have rhino-skin, to not only cope with the absolute trashings Kobe gave him in the off season, and come to play this season with such a vengeance.  Kobe’s injured at the moment – no problem!  Throw the ball in deep to AB & he will finish. 
   Still only 20 years old, could be that the Lakers front office had their heads screwed on when they refused to include him in trade-talks. 
   Who’da thunk that?

5. Yao Ming – just quietly, Yao is going about business – averaging nearly 11 rpg/22 ppg, it’s just another day season in the office for China’s most famous export. 
   Yao also brings the league’s best free throw % for all centers to the floor – at a damn nice 86.2%.  Helpful when you don’t have to drag your biggest player to the pine at the end of a game. 
   Now, if Houston could just figure out how to even become a .500 team…
6. Amare Stoudemire – Definitely still the same Amare, capable of putting a team to the dogs one night, then having a dog of a game himself the next. 
   If Stoudemire could only put it together on a regular basis, then the sun would REALLY rise and set in Phoenix..