NBA off-season evaluation part 5: the starting centers
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by user Jakeblloyd
It's easy to forget how good something is.
If you revisit your favorite ice cream joint 30 years after your last stop there as a child, the peppermint stick ice cream is so absolutely ravishing, you consider moving back home. And when Shaquille O'Neal begins playing like a beast again, you begin to understand why he owns four NBA championship rings and might go down as the best center to ever play the game.
That's what happened this season when Miami's Dwyane Wade separated his shoulder. O'Neal took over for the Heat, putting his teammates on his broad shoulders and carrying them into the playoffs. He showed — once again — why he is still the best center in the league. At least for another year or so.
Here are mine and Cosey's NBA off-season evaluations of the league's starting centers.
1. Shaquille O'Neal, Miami: When Dwyane Wade was out, O’Neal showed that he can still bring it when he puts his mind to it. He was consistently scoring 20-plus points and grabbing 10-plus rebounds. Fitness is a big issue with O’Neal, as is his desire.
2. Yao Ming, Houston: Had his best season in the NBA, and if he can stay healthy, can become the most consistent center in the league. Has a large array of weapons on the offensive end. Still has to prove he can get the job done in the postseason.
3. Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix: What a great comeback season. Has a great ability to finish Steve Nash’s dishes. Is also a better post-up player than people give him credit for. Could still become better defensively (which would really help Phoenix).
4. Jermaine O'Neal, Indiana: When he’s healthy, he’s one of the best low-post scorers in the game. Can take the ball to the basket as well as shoot the fadeaway. Also an underrated defender. Would be interesting to see how he would fare in the Western Conference.
5. Dwight Howard, Orlando: Outside of O’Neal, the most powerful player in this group. An absolute behemoth. To be the next O’Neal, however, he’ll have to develop some low-post moves and become a better passer.
6. Pau Gasol, Memphis: Doesn’t get noticed much playing in Memphis, but he has as many offensive moves as anyone in this group. Needs to stay healthy and really take command of the Grizzlies if he stays with them.
7. Marcus Camby, Denver: Very underrated player when he’s healthy. Great defender and rebounder. Mid-range jumper is off and on, but for the Nuggets, his contribution on the other end of the court is paramount.
8. Tyson Chandler, New Orleans: Finally had the breakout year Bulls’ fans were waiting for — too bad it wasn’t for the Bulls. Doesn’t need to be the main guy in New Orleans (that would be Chris Paul). Just needs to rebound and provide a low-post scoring threat.
9. Eddy Curry, New York: Another former Bull who’s coming off a huge year. Now he needs to show that he can be consistent from season to season. Needs to stay in shape and avoid injuries. We know the talent’s there.
10. Emeka Okafor, Charlotte: Had a good rebound year after a poor sophomore showing. Needs to develop as the main down-low scoring option for the Bobcats. Also needs to improve defense and jumping ability.
11. Mehmet Okur, Utah: His playoff performance proved that he’s really not a center. He prefers to play on the perimeter. Needs to become tougher, however, so he can guard the Tim Duncans of the NBA. Also needs to become more consistent with that jumper.
12. Ben Wallace, Chicago: Still shows flashes of his great defensive and rebounding ability, but he probably isn’t worth the money Chicago’s paying him. Now he needs to become more of a vocal leader, helping to guide the younger players deeper in the playoffs.
13. Chris Kaman, LA Clippers: At times appears lazy and takes some ill-advised shots. Still, he’s extremely strong and when he decides he’s going to get to the basket, he usually does.
14. Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Cleveland: Showed signs during the playoffs that he’s not washed up yet. Has developed a pretty good mid-range jumper which makes up for his lack of inside moves.
15. Brad Miller, Sacramento: Another veteran center with a decent mid-range jumper. No longer the intimidating force he was during the Kings’ heyday.
16. Andrew Bogut, Milwaukee: Has shown flashes of his ability, but so far hasn’t become the player the Bucks — who drafted him No. 1 in 2005 — were hoping for. Still has time to develop into a dominant big man.
17. Chris Webber, Detroit: Obviously could fall off this list if he retires. I think too much blame was placed on him for the Pistons’ collapse against Cleveland. He was one of two guys (with Antonio McDyess) who were giving it their all. Still is a great passer and a decent low-post scorer.
18. Samuel Dalembert, Philadelphia: Doesn’t really get noticed because he plays for Philly, but he’s a force down low. Needs to polish his offensive game.
19. Andrea Bargnani, Toronto: Took over the starting job this year. Now he needs to become a nice complement to Chris Bosh down low. Ability to shoot the 3-pointer creates mismatches.
20. Andrew Bynum, LA Lakers: Had a great start to the season before struggling down the stretch. Still has a lot of developing to do. I wouldn’t be afraid to trade him if I’m L.A.
21. LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland: Still pretty raw. Has plenty of athleticism and potential. Will be interesting to see what happens if Portland drafts Greg Oden.
22. Fabricio Oberto, San Antonio: Not the most talented guy, but I’m sure the Spurs love him. Did everything he was asked of during the playoffs, finishing, rebounding and playing good defense. Very good role player.
23. Andris Biedrins, Golden State: Looked kind of weak during the playoffs. And on the shoot-happy Warriors, he rarely gets the ball. Needs to improve free throw shooting.
24. Kendrick Perkins, Boston: Another young Celtics’ player with ability. But will he showcase it? So far — for the most part — he hasn’t.
25. Nick Collison, Seattle: Decent role player. Not very strong defensively — a theme for the Supersonics.
26. Zaza Pachulia, Atlanta: This guy actually can play. Now, can he become a team player and help the Hawks win?
27. Erick Dampier, Dallas: If Dallas had a good center, they’d be very hard to beat. Instead they have Dampier, who’s very muscular, but that’s about it.
28. Mark Blount, Minnesota: KG’s sidekick? I think not.
29. Etan Thomas, Washington: Only gets in the news when he fights backup center Brandon Haywood.
30. Jason Collins, New Jersey: Should have used his Stanford education to go into a different field.
