DeMarcus Cousins made waves during his appearance on Run It Back TV by sharing his top five centers in the NBA, and one of his selections sparked debate among fans and analysts alike. Cousins’ list included Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, Bam Adebayo, Anthony Davis, and Victor Wembanyama. But, his decision to rank Adebayo ahead of Davis raised eyebrows, particularly given Davis' superior offensive repertoire.
1. Joel Embiid
2. Nikola Jokic
3. Bam Adebayo
4. Anthony Davis
5. Victor Wembanyama
Cousins kicked off his rankings with Joel Embiid at the top, and though many fans argue that Nikola Jokic should hold that spot, Cousins' reasoning isn’t entirely out of left field. Embiid, the 2023 MVP, is an imposing force on both ends of the court.
While Jokic, the three-time MVP, is the more durable player and has led his Denver Nuggets to deeper playoff success, including an NBA Championship in 2023, Embiid’s sheer dominance on defense and as a scoring machine gives him an edge in some people’s eyes. However, the fact that Embiid has never made it past the second round of the playoffs leaves room for debate about his ranking over Jokic, who is widely considered one of the most well-rounded players in the NBA today.
The real surprise in Cousins’ list was his decision to place Bam Adebayo at No. 3 ahead of Anthony Davis , a move that immediately drew controversy. Adebayo, an exceptional defender and versatile big man for the Miami Heat , is known for his ability to switch on guards and protect the rim, but placing him above Davis seems bold to many. Davis, a member of the Los Angeles Lakers , is widely regarded as one of the most skilled big men in NBA history, with a polished offensive game and elite defensive abilities.
Davis’ offensive skillset is on another level compared to Adebayo. AD can score from all three levels—inside, mid-range, and occasionally from beyond the arc—while also being a proficient playmaker in certain offensive schemes. His combination of size, finesse, and touch around the basket is unmatched by most players in the league.
While Adebayo is a capable scorer, his offensive game is far less versatile, relying more on his athleticism and finishing abilities in the paint rather than a diverse scoring arsenal. For that reason, it’s easy to see why many fans believe Cousins’ ranking is a bit unfair to Davis.
Defensively, Bam Adebayo is a stud—he can guard multiple positions, play elite help defense, and is the heartbeat of Miami’s defense. However, even here, comparing him to Davis is tricky. AD, when healthy and engaged, has proven to be a dominant rim protector and one of the league’s best overall defenders.
The debate really comes down to durability versus peak performance. Adebayo may have the edge in terms of being consistently available on the floor, but when Davis is locked in and healthy, he’s capable of producing MVP-caliber performances on both ends of the court.
Cousins’ pick of Victor Wembanyama at No. 5 is forward-thinking, considering that the French phenom is only entering his second season in the league. Still, Wembanyama has shown flashes of being a future superstar, and many believe he will quickly ascend the ranks of the NBA’s elite. Cousins’ belief in Wembanyama’s potential is shared by many, as the 7-foot-4 sensation has a rare blend of size, skill, and agility that could make him the best player in the league in a few short years.
While Cousins’ list has some valid points, placing Adebayo over Davis remains a contentious decision. Davis’ combination of offensive firepower and defensive prowess sets him apart from most big men in the league, including Adebayo. Nevertheless, Cousins' rankings reflect a subjective opinion shaped by his experiences and personal perspective, and the NBA's competitive landscape ensures that debates like this will continue to stir passionate discussions among fans and analysts alike.
Related: 20 Greatest NBA Centers Of The 21st Century
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