No. 1: Amar'e Stoudemire, New York Knicks
This may come by a surprise to many for two reasons. First, he is a center—no, he played center for the Suns these past few seasons because the Suns had no other option at the center position. His first five or so seasons he was the team's starting power forward.
The second reason is many think that Gasol should be No. 1. Well if I had to choose between the two, Amar'e is my clear cut favorite. Sure, Gasol has to two rings. But you're going to tell me that if Amar'e was on the Lakers they would have not done the same thing? Maybe they would have even have beaten the Celtics in '08.
Anyways, Stoudemire is a top tier scoring big man. He is extremely athletic for his size. If you do not believe me, watch what he did in his Slam Dunk appearance in 2003.
Amar'e has one of the best first steps for a big man. When Amar'e is able to get one dribble off and put his shoulders to the ground, there is no stopping him.
He is very explosive and is extremely quick, especially in the pick-and-roll offense, as we have seen him do many times with Nash up in Phoenix.
Amar'e is a good rebounder, though his stats can be a bit deceiving. He does not get the high rebounds like the players such as Gasol and Duncan, but he does have the ability to grab big rebounds. And he is an underrated defender, although it is not the strongest part of his game.
His shot has steadily improved over the years, and he can knock down 10-15 footers, but his shot is still not a guarantee. He is a player you can take a risk and dare him to shoot the shot.
Overall, Amar'e is the power forward, who I would rather have on my team than Gasol. Gasol does have the rings over Amar'e, but like I said, you put Amar'e on the Lakers and they would have the same amount.
8/26/2010 5:32 PM
