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NBA news: Five best big men in the NBA, Joel Embiid, Karl-Anthony Towns rising

| Jan 31, 2017 01:55 PM EST

DeMarcus Cousins of the Sacramento Kings tries to drive on LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers at Golden 1 Center on January 13, 2017 in Sacramento, California.

In the National Basketball Association, the role of the big men has changed the game. The big men of today can now shoot threes, pass like Steve Nash and dominate both ends of the floor. Here are the top five big men in the league right now:

5. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers

Upon the arrival of Embiid, the 76ers, who had been the cellar dwellers of the NBA in the past few years, have had a rejuvenation. Despite playing just 25.4 minutes per game, 'The Process' is averaging 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.5 blocks and 2.1 assists per game. His minutes are still restricted but if he becomes healthy, Philadelphia, if it can acquire reliable assets, can become a contender in the East sooner than later.

4. Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves

In just two years with the TWolves, Towns has become the team's best player. He has upped his career averages with 23.0 points, 11.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists. He still has not reached his peak but he is not just one of the best big men but also one of the best players in the NBA right now and his development means nightmare for other NBA teams. Towns is shooting the three-point shot efficiently and might be the first center in a long time who has done a windmill on a fastbreak.

3. Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies

In his nine-year stay with the Grizzlies, it is only this season that Gasol, who averages 20.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.5 blocks, has eclipsed the 20-point mark in his point average. He has developed into a respectable three-point shooter on a 40.9 percent clip while attempting 3.7 threes per game. If Memphis' win streak continues, it will overtake the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference rankings at sixth place and will set its eyes on surpassing the Utah Jazz.

2. DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings

To say the least, Boogie is the best center in the league, and Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green believes so, Sports Illustrated reported. Cousins is averaging 28.4 points, 10.6 boards, 4.4 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.4 steals in 34.6 minutes. With his versatility, 'Boogie' is virtually unstoppable while on the floor. He is an efficient shooter from midrange, can shake off defenders off the dribble, bully opponents with his post up game and drill threes consistently.

1. Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans

What separates Davis from Cousins is that 'The Brow' is a more trustworthy defender that 'Boogie.' Davis averages 28.0 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2.3 blocks, 2.2 assists and 1.3 steals per game, making him a best on both ends of the floor. His mere presence in the paint changes the game as defenders are wary of being blocked by the 6'11" behemoth. He is third in player efficiency rating with 27.88, just behind Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant, according to ESPN Stats. Though the Pelicans are outside the playoff picture, they still have a bright future to look forward to as Anthony expressed his desire to stay in New Orleans.

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