Don't worry guys, there's always next year!
As we know the CSL playoffs isn't starting until next Monday, and we are stuck with absolutely nothing to do in this forsaken time, so I have decided to make a fun article highlighting three big men that have some interesting things that are in common, something that link them all together that fits in this article title. And before a smart ass decides to raise their hand, and yell "They are all CENTERS!" No, that's the wrong answer, and may the lord show no mercy on your soul.
Anyways the three gentlemen we will be discussing today are Joel Embiid of the Orlando Magic, Enes Kanter of the Los Angeles Clippers, and Jonas Valenciunas of the Milwaukee Bucks. Three pretty established big men that are well known around this league, so what do these big men all have in common? Let's dive in!
Common Denominator One: Max Contract
While many GMs in this league have fondly stated that in order to build a successful franchise, one must invest in their back court. However, these 3 individuals obviously aren't the case here, as all 3 of them have received max contracts throughout their careers. Jonas Valenciunas received a max deal from the Bucks during the 2021 off season. A lot of people were confused by that decision, as Jonas V didn't exactly fit into that time line, but production wise you could argue he's worth it, as he is a former 4 times all star after all, and he was arguably the most established player on the Bucks roster thus far.
Next up, Mr. Joel Embiid of the Orlando Magic! Embiid was always seen as a kid with fantastic potential, but durability, and rawness were the biggest concerns for him. However that did not stop the Warriors from selecting him first over all, and later giving him a max contract extension during his restricted free agency run back in 2020. Look, Embiid has been improving every year, and he has even made an all star team appearance in 2021. He has been putting up some good numbers recently, and looks to be a big part of Orlando's future.
Finally we got Mr. Enes Kanter of the Los Angeles Clippers. Kanter has always been a bipolar figure in this league, as he has shown immense offensive talent, and a knack for cleaning up boards. However, one could argue he's in the wrong era of basketball, as nowadays teams want big men who are mobile, and can protect the rim, which are qualities that Kanter lacks. Kanter is a 11 year veteran in the CSL now, and ironically he received his max deal back in 2018 off-season under the Clippers as well. (Since then he has been dealt away 3 times) Numbers wise he has been very good, as he's a 2 times all star, and has average close to a double double almost his entire career.
Common Denominator Two: Top 5 Draft Picks
This one isn't too surprising, as all three of these gentlemen were all well regarded before they enter into the draft. It's rather unfortunate that the game has shifted into a much more guard eccentric games, as all three men have immense talent, and can work the post with their size.
Joel Embiid was the former number one pick in the infamous Dennis draft class, and while he's not even close to being a bust, but his career production thus far has certainly didn't meet the initial hype. Perhaps he was a victim of not being properly managed during his early years with Golden State, or perhaps it's his unfortunate health history, but you have to feel for this kid. Luckily Embiid is the youngest of the 3 here, so he will have plenty of time to perhaps expand on his career.
Jonas Valenciunas is arguably the most accomplished one out of these 3 giants, as Jonas was a former number five overall pick in 2013 draft. Ironically enough, he also began his career as an Orlando Magic! Anyways, Valenciunas was seen as a very talented offensive big man with size, and has shown some ability to protect the rim. 10 years later, it seems like statistics wise, he has lived up close to his pre-draft hype.
Finally we have Enes Kanter, the former number 3 overall pick in the 2013 draft by the Utah Jazz, 2 spots above the previously mentioned Jonas Valenciunas. Looking back now, does Kanter warrant a top 3 selection? Hard to tell, as he has had a very solid career, but for a top 3 pick, you would expect him to have a few more all star appearances, but that's not the case here. Similar to Valenciunas, perhaps they were the victims of poor management.
Common Denominator Three: Playoffs? We Talking About Playoffs?!?!
For those that don't know, that playoffs quote is from the infamous coach Jim Mora rant during one of the Indianapolis Colts(NFL team)post game press conferences. Believe it or not, all three of these big men have NEVER tasted the playoffs throughout their careers. Talk about unfortunate, as they are the 3 longest active players that have never reached the CSL playoffs thus far. You have to feel bad for these guys, as they aren't your G-league caliber players, or some bench warmers that are stuck in the free agent pool. All three guys are former top 5 picks that have been playing significant minutes for their respective teams throughout their careers, and yet somehow they have never played in a single playoff game.
It's truly a shame really, as all three of these big men have shown flashes of talent, but due to a series of unfortunate events in regards to either injuries, poor management, bad timing of trades, or bad free agency decisions, somehow they have all to fail to experience the taste of the playoffs. On a more positive note, all three of these guys still have some years left in their treads before declining, especially Embiid who is the youngest of the bunch, as he's only 25 years old.
However, both Jonas V, and Kanter are 30 years old now, and time is quickly running out before their value drops due to physical decline. Hopefully someone can rescue their careers, as I hate to see 3 former top 5 picks to be forever labeled as LOSERS of the CSL!
