1. DeMarcus Cousins
2015-16 Stats: 26.9 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.6 SPG, 1.4 BPG, .451/.333/.718 shooting, 23.6 PER
Team success was a factor in these rankings, but DeMarcus Cousins is the rare breed of talent that supersedes that category. Is it his fault the Sacramento Kings are more dysfunctional than Donald Trump at a presidential debate?
More from Hoops Habit
- 7 Players the Miami Heat might replace Herro with by the trade deadline
- Meet Cooper Flagg: The best American prospect since LeBron James
- Are the Miami Heat laying the groundwork for their next super team?
- Sophomore Jump: 5 second-year NBA players bound to breakout
- NBA Trades: The Lakers bolster their frontcourt in this deal with the Pacers
Never mind the questions about his temperament, his capacity for leadership or the fact that in his six seasons in the league, Boogie’s teams have only reached the 30-win threshold once. He’s never been to the playoffs, and that’s unlikely to change after the dumpster fire of an offseason Sacramento just had.
However, even with all of the negativity that comes with being the franchise star of the league laughingstock, Boogie is an undeniable talent. When he puts in the full effort on the defensive end, there’s no question he’s the NBA’s best center.
Cousins doesn’t always put in the requisite effort on that end, but can you blame him? Look at who the Kings continually surround him with! And yet somehow, the guy churns out career seasons like clockwork. His 27-12-3-2-1 stat line from last season was no exception.
Next: Top 10 Candidates For NBA's 2016-17 MVP Award
After adding a rudimentary three-point shot to his arsenal last year, Boogie is as well-rounded as ever. It’s a pity to see him waste away his prime without any help, and perhaps that should’ve taken a toll on his ranking, but if we’re being 100 percent honest, there’s no question that DeMarcus Cousins is currently the best center in the NBA.