Center Rankings NBA.com Ulrimate Fantasy Comissioner
1. Amare Stoudemire - PHX [C]
Stoudemire put any lingering doubts about the condition of his surgically repaired knee to rest last season, playing nearly 33 minutes per night.and re-establishing himself as one of the elite big men in the league. The emergence of Leandro Barbosa had a dampening affect on his scoring opportunities, but Stoudemire got his 20 per game nonetheless. Stoudemire can score from mid-range and possesses a quick first step. He outworks bigger men and is one of the better athletes at the position. Playing alongside Steve Nash helps and so does the fact that there isn’t a quality backup with Kurt Thomas now in Seattle.
2. Pau Gasol - MEM [C]
Gasol is a big-time producer, and is now center eligible after starting 59 games at the position in 2006-07. He’s very skilled offensively, has an assortment of low-post moves, can use either hand, and can score facing the basket. And if double-teams are your concern, he’s a gifted passer, averaging 3.4 assists per game last season. He was sixth among centers with 6.8 FTA per game. On a weak Grizzly front line last year, he averaged 20-10. He’ll benefit from Darko Milicic’s presence this year. There has been little talk of Gasol’s much-publicized unhappiness in Memphis since the club hired Marc Iavaroni as coach. However, there will be no talk now that the Grizzlies added Juan Carlos Navarro, a friend and former teammate of Gasol when the two played in Spain’s youth programs and on the Spanish National Team.
3. Yao Ming - HOU [C]
Depending on how you define “center,” Yao could be the best. He has incredible size and matches that with a skilled offensive repertoire, featuring good range and an accurate turnaround jumper. Yao contributes in all the categories we look for in a center, in addition to his deadly accuracy from the free throw line (career 82.2 percent, 86 percent in 2006-07). The Rockets are still an inside-outside team with Yao and Tracy McGrady leading the way in points and shots. Yao had a career-high 2.0 assists per game in 2006-07, but also turned it over 3.5 times per game. That’s bound to happen because he touches the ball so often, but it would be nice to see that drop. He’s missed some games due to injuries during the last two seasons, but they aren’t chronic.
4. Dwight Howard - ORL [C]
The man-child is all man now and gets paid like one after signing a five-year, $80 million extension in the offseason. While tossing $115 million at Rashard Lewis may be a reach, extending Howard is money well spent. He’s developing into one of the best big men in the Eastern Conference. He’s an elite rebounder, a shot-blocker and scores at will in the paint. And Howard will help carry your team in field goal percentage, hitting at a whopping 60.3 percent clip on 873 attempts last year. Unfortunately, he’ll also destroy your free throw percentage, hitting only 58.6 percent of his 666 attempts last season. If Howard could be guaranteed not to attempt a free throw, he’d be a legitimate top-five overall pick. As it stands, he’ll likely go in the second or third round.
5. Marcus Camby - DEN [C]
Camby played 70 games for only the second time in his career during the 2006-07 season, and therein lies the major problem with him. He’s an injury risk. Still, Camby averaged a double-double during each of the last three seasons, he was the league-leader in blocked shots per game for the second straight season, and he’s the rare big man who contributes significantly in steals (1.2 spg last season). We have him projected to play 66 games, but if he surprises and plays 75, he’d be worth bumping up a couple spots on this list.
6. Emeka Okafor - CHA [PF,C]
The mystifying disappearance of Primoz Brezec opened up the center position for Okafor, who started 35 games there in 2006-07. While maintaining his reputation as a defensive wall (2.65 bpg, 7.5 defensive rpg), Okafor took steps on the offensive end, averaging 14.1 points on a career-high 53.2 percent shooting. He still isn’t the best free throw shooter, but the offensive development elsewhere is a positive for fantasy teams. He can run the floor, which is a good thing because the Bobcats will have Gerald Wallace, Jason Richardson and Raymond Felton setting the pace. The team is thin up front, so Okafor should get plenty of minutes and chances to improve on his 11.3 (fifth in NBA) rebounds per game.
7. LaMarcus Aldridge - POR [C]
With Zach Randolph headed for the city that never sleeps, Aldridge inherits a starting spot and a regular position, which should mean a significant across-the-board improvement next season. The second-overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft was slowed by a shoulder injury that kept him on the bench for the first six games of the season. He missed all of April while being treated for a heart condition. (That part sounds scary, but the condition isn’t considered a risk going forward.) In between, he was often caught up in Portland’s big man log jam, bouncing between power forward and center and sharing time with Randolph, Jamaal Magloire, Joel Przybilla and others. Aldridge’s March numbers are probably the best indication of what he can do. In 15 games and starts, he averaged 14.7 points, 8.0 boards and 1.6 blocks. That block number is likely to increase, as the presence of Greg Oden in the middle this season should allow Aldridge to gamble a bit more.
8. Mehmet Okur - UTA [C]
Okur is a skilled offensive player who can score in the low post, from mid-range, and can drain the three-pointer (38.4 percent in 2006-07). He’s not a great athlete, and his defensive lapses will irk coach Jerry Sloan, but Okur offers a lot from the center position, including free throw shooting (career 78.9 percent) and assists (2.0 apg in 2006-07). Okur isn’t a great rebounder for his size, but he can still be counted on for about seven boards per game at a minimum.
9. Andrew Bogut - MIL [C]
Bogut suffered a foot injury in 2006-07, ending his second NBA season in March. However, he improved in points, rebounds, assists, and field goal percentage, while increasing his minutes per game by six and shots per game by two last season. Bogut had to become more of a scoring option because of injuries to Bobby Simmons, Charlie Villanueva and most notably, Michael Redd. With better team health, and presumably first-round pick Yi Jianlian in the mix, Bogut may not have as many opportunities to score, but his passing skills could get you extra assists from the center spot.
10. Samuel Dalembert - PHI [C]
Dalembert enjoyed his best season as a pro in 2006-07, averaging career highs in points (10.7 ppg) and rebounds (8.9 rpg) while being very protective in the paint (1.94 bpg). Dalembert, like most of the 76ers, benefited from the Allen Iverson trade, getting nearly three more shots per game after the deal. Philadelphia is Andre Iguodala’s team, but Dalembert will get enough looks to be a solid contributor at the center position. Moreover, he won’t kill your free throw percentage – his 74.6 percent clip from the charity stripe last year was more than respectable from a pivot.
11. Eddy Curry - NYK [C]
Curry was among the Knicks’ offensive leaders in 2006-07, pacing the team with 19.5 points per game, but he now must share low-post scoring opportunities with Zach Randolph. He has a highly developed offensive game and added an element we look for in fantasy centers, posting a career-high 7.1 rebounds per game in 2006-07. If coach Isiah Thomas can get Stephon Marbury and Jamal Crawford to buy into a low-post power game, both Curry and Randolph should produce well for fantasy teams. Points are taken off for free throw shooting (a career 64.6 percent) and turnovers (3.6 per game last season).
12. Andris Biedrins - GSW [C]
After impressing Don Nelson with his defense and rebounding ability in the preseason, Biedrins became a major factor in the power forward/center rotation for Golden State last season, supplanting bigger names (and salaries) like Troy Murphy and Adonal Foyle. Biedrins finished the 2006-07 season with point and rebound totals just a hair under a double-double (9.5 ppg, 9.3 rpg) and blocked 1.7 shots per game. There are two drawbacks with Biedrins though. First, his free throw shooting is simply atrocious (52.1 percent). Second, Nelson will yank him from the starting rotation occasionally based on matchups, particularly when facing larger or more physical opponents. The one big positive is that Biedrins will qualify at center in most league formats.
13. Tyson Chandler - NOH [C]
Chandler’s usually dormant offense had an awakening last season, when he posted career highs in points (9.5 ppg) and field goal percentage (62.4 percent) during 35 minutes per game. He "benefited" from injuries to Peja Stojakovic, David West and Chris Paul. Given a good season of team health, and the addition of Mo Peterson, Chandler probably won’t repeat his scoring numbers. But even with less scoring, Chandler contributes very well defensively and on both ends of the glass (4.4 offensive rpg, 12.4 rpg, 1.77 bpg). He’s awful from the free throw line, but he doesn’t get to the line nearly as much as a player like Dwight Howard, for example. Chandler will hurt you, but not entirely bury you in that category. Moreover, he has little competition for minutes (Hilton Armstrong and Cedric Simmons did very little as rookies), so Chandler is not being threatened for playing time.
14. Brad Miller - SAC [C]
Just 31, Miller’s game took a step back in every category in 2006-07, except that he committed fewer fouls. He’s never been the best-conditioned athlete, and one has to wonder if stamina was a factor. A case of plantar fasciitis contributed to a noticeable second half drop-off, so age and health are legitimate concerns. The Kings selected center Spencer Hawes in the first round, and he’ll get worked into the rotation; however, Miller will be the unquestioned starter. Despite the poor season, Miller is still a good rebounder and passer, can score away from the basket and hits his foul shots. In addition to the concern about Miller returning to form, the Kings seem like a team on the verge of a collapse, with Ron Artest and Mike Bibby unhappy and not necessarily likely to stick around. It may not be long before this becomes a rebuilding situation.
15. Zydrunas Ilgauskas - CLE [C]
Ilgauskas has become less important to Cleveland’s offense with the arrival of LeBron James, but he’s still a serviceable fantasy producer from the center position. Ilgauskas has shooting touch from both the field and the free throw line, while maintaining respectable shot-blocking and rebounding numbers. Salary cap problems left the team on the outside when it came time to add players during the offseason, so Ilgauskas should maintain his role and shots (10.2 FGA/game). If Drew Gooden is dealt for a point guard, Ilgauskas may even get more looks this year.
16. Nenad Krstic - NJN [C]
Krstic was on the way to his most productive NBA season in 2006-07 before reconstructive left knee surgery finished him off after only 26 games. He was getting more touches prior to the injury, averaging 12.4 FGA per game. That would have ranked sixth among fantasy centers if he played the full year, and he was averaging a career-high 16.4 ppg. Krstic has a nice scoring touch near the rim, which can balance off the perimeter-heavy scoring from Jason Kidd, Richard Jefferson and Vince Carter. However, he’s not the only low-post scoring threat on the team anymore. New Jersey signed Jamaal Magloire to bolster the front line. He should complement Krstic well, giving New Jersey a better rebounder and defender, but ultimately could steal minutes and shots from Krstic that Jason Collins could never take.
17. Chris Kaman - LAC [C]
Kaman underwhelmed in 2006-07 after signing a five-year deal prior to the season. He can score around the basket, uses both hands well, and reportedly has committed to an offseason workout regimen. He surprisingly showed up in Vegas for the Summer League where he played three games -- a good sign he’s putting last year behind him. Kaman is a decent source of blocks and could get more rebounds now that Elton Brand is out for more than half the season.
18. Ben Wallace - CHI [C]
Wallace remains one of the league’s premier defensive forces, but he dropped in both rebounds and blocked shots in 2006-07. The 33-year-old is a good physical specimen, and he should retain a very high level in those categories, but offers very little as a shooter or a scorer. The Bulls have a deep frontcourt with Tyrus Thomas, Andres Nocioni, Joe Smith and first-round pick Joakim Noah looking for minutes. This might be the season when Wallace’s playing time takes a cut. Also don’t forget to factor in the damage to your free throw percentage category if you draft Wallace.
19. Andrew Bynum - LAL [C]
Bynum’s sizzling start fizzled when March and April rolled around, and we last saw Bynum playing a total of 55 minutes in the five-game playoff loss to Phoenix. Coach Phil Jackson criticized his work ethic and reduced his minutes after the All-Star break. Nonetheless, Bynum’s got a nice low-post game, averaged 55.8 percent from the floor and he’s the only center on the team not coming off serious injury. Kwame Brown is questionable for training camp after undergoing left ankle surgery in May and right shoulder surgery in June. Chris Mihm missed the entire season after undergoing ankle surgery in July 2006. The Lakers will live with Bynum’s youthful struggles, and he’s worth a flyer as a result.
Para mí el mejor poste es Yao Ming, aunque es obvio que O'neal en sus mejores años, Duncan si lo consideramos center, son superiores a él; pero en función de sus condiciones, Yao es el mejor (un 2'26 con esa mano y fundamentos, es único, y aún encima este último año con la ausencia de McGrady ha subido un peldaño en sus prestaciones y liderazgo).
Dwight Howard parece un pívot, pero no lo es del todo.
Brad Miller es mi debilidad, es único, pívot blanco y de los buenos (muy completo, no es el típiuco poste blanco que repele el aro), pero va un poco 'viejete'.Gasol no es un pívot, pero es un crack.
Amare Stoudemire es Amare Stoudemire "light".
Memet Okur, me encanta, está sobrado y es uno más para la lista "se dejaba llevar".
Ilgauskas es (era) otra de mis debilidades, pero ya está muy pasado de "rosca".
Chris Kaman otro sobrado y con decir que es el pívot de los Clippers me parece suficiente (del sector "hago lo que quiero, pero solo cuando quiero").
Ben Wallace no me gusta, para pívots bajos me quedo con... no se me ocurre ninguno tan bajo que.
Andrew Bynum a ver si "explota"...
Tyson Chandler es otro que no es (valga la redundancia) un pívot, tiene condiciones peor no tiene cabeza (que es un jugador limitado solo por su cabeza, que no por sus condiciones; si tuviese el 30% del cerebro de Rodman sería All-Star).
Camby era uno de mis ídolos... en el Madison. Tampoco es pívot.
PD: lo que está claro es que la era de los pívots ha finalizado; vasta con ver que el nº 1 de este draft, que era un pívot, ya se lesiona de gravedad antes de dar comienzo su primer año (y eso que es un niño). Para mí es una pena, ya que sabéis que mi posición favorita es la de pívot.
Para el 20-38 pongo mi comentario en negrita al final de cada ficha. Los que no comento no me "dicen" nada.
20. Troy Murphy - IND [PF,C]
Murphy, with 27 starts in the low post last season, qualifies as a center even if he’s not a prototype at the position. He’ll share time with Jeff Foster, who is considered a much better low-post defender, but Murphy offers much more for a fantasy team than Foster. Murphy, who has averaged double-digit rebounds three times in his six-year career, has a nice touch and can score out to the three-point line. His three-point range (40.9 percent for Indiana last season, 36.0 percent during his career) should fit nicely with coach Jim O’Brien’s style. Jermaine O’Neal is still the premier option on offense, but when that’s not there, O’Brien has no problem deploying the three-point shot as a weapon. Como una 'cabra', llevaba escrito 'redrum' (murder al revés) en sus zapatillas cuando jugaba para Notre Dame.
21. Shaquille O'Neal - MIA [C]
One year older, another year less dominant. However, a healthy O’Neal still puts up good numbers in the big-man counting categories (17.3 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 1.41 bpg) and shoots a great percentage from the field (59.1 percent). He also passes well for a big man (career 2.8 apg). Of course, he’ll absolutely destroy the free throw category for you, and at this point in his career, that largely outweighs all of his positive contributions combined. In a head-to-head points league, however, he belongs in the top-15. "The big dog" ahora es "the old dog".
22. Nick Collison - SEA [C]
It’s hard to read how Seattle’s center position will play out, but with high-profile rookies Kevin Durantand Jeff Green expected to contribute immediately, we’re betting new head coach P.J. Carlesimo will use a veteran like Collison or Kurt Thomas to start the season. The wild card is Robert Swift, who is more developed than Mouhamed Sene or Johan Petro, but is coming off major knee surgery. Swift had the job during preseason last year before the knee injury forced another plan. Both Thomas and Collison possess good offensive skills and can rebound, but Thomas is the better defender. Given the San Antonio pedigree of the brain trust (Carlesimo coached for the Spurs, general manager Sam Presti was an assistant GM there), we expect a focus on defense. The position will shake itself out during training camp, so look elsewhere for a starting center on draft day, and be ready to pounce when (or if) one player emerges as the primary option. El protegido de juanejo, :), mejor que lo anzalice él .
23. Zaza Pachulia - ATL [C]
Pachulia has been an effective scorer and rebounder for Atlanta during the last two seasons while maintaining good shooting percentages. He plays well with his back to the basket, although he is not a feature of the team’s offense. He’s not a good shot-blocker but plays tough defense, and that buys him more minutes (except when he’s picking up fouls - 3.7 fouls per game, first among centers). Pachulia is also a good source of steals from the center position, where he averages close to one per game. While Shelden Williams didn’t force huge roster shifts last season, Atlanta coach Mike Woodson will need to find playing time for this year’s first-round pick Al Horford, so don’t be shocked to see Pachulia’s minutes reduced as the season grinds on.
24. Joakim Noah - CHI [PF,C]
Noah brings tremendous energy and solid defense to the Bulls. He has the upside to be a double-double guy with great blocked shots and steal numbers. The problem is that the Bulls already have a couple players with similar skill sets in Ben Wallace and Tyrus Thomas, so he’ll have to play very well to earn regular minutes. Still, there’s some stat-sheet filling upside if things shake out right for Noah. Lo siento por juanejo pero éste ya de primeras y solo por el prejuicio de su apellido no me cae bien.
25. Spencer Hawes - SAC [PF,C]
Hawes won’t be asked to start right away, but we’ll be keeping an eye on him in case the Kings either struggle or start anew this season. His opportunity to shine will be dictated on the health and performance of Brad Miller. Hawes is a gifted offensive player with a nice touch around the basket and good passing skills; however, he is not very strong or athletic. Essentially, he projects as a younger version of Miller. Espero mucho de él.
26. Sean Williams - NJN [PF,C]
Williams was considered a potential lottery pick, but doubts arose when he was dismissed by the Boston College basketball team for repeated violations of team rules. He’ll join a New Jersey squad that for the last several years has been painfully thin in the frontcourt. If he can keep his head on straight, he has the potential to win a regular spot in the rotation. He’s expected to be a better offensive player than Josh Boone or Jason Collins and a superior defender to Nenad Krstic. As Mikki Moore proved last season, getting regular playing time with Jason Kidd can give a player fantasy value in a hurry. Ni idea.
27. Erick Dampier - DAL [C]
Dallas coach Avery Johnson seemingly employs his two centers on a whim. Dampier started more games than DeSagana Diop, but Diop is the better athlete, and Johnson likes to use him against the quicker squads. Dampier is the better offensive player, but Dallas doesn’t look for scoring out of the position. Diop is a more active defender, and his athleticism is a better fit in the changing NBA, which is favoring a quicker pace these days. In the end, neither player’s skills really matter if they’re getting just 20-25 minutes per game. Ni "fu ni fa", pero un tipo honesto.
28. Kendrick Perkins - BOS [C]
The major shakeup in Boston leaves Perkins as the team’s top center. Now, that’s no different from the last two seasons, but Perkins averaged just below 20 and 22 minutes per game during those years. The limited usage last season had something to do with a troubling case of plantar fasciitis, but Boston also needed some offensive punch that Perkins couldn’t provide. Celtics coach Doc Rivers often used a lineup designed to score more points with Al Jefferson and Ryan Gomes. Jefferson and Gomes, both of whom were traded to Minnesota in the Kevin Garnett deal, will no longer be around to eat into Perkins’ minutes. You know offense won’t be a problem with Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce around, so Perkins should get more playing time and become the enforcer we’ve been waiting to see. He’ll need the run if he’s going to contribute rebounds and blocked shots for fantasy teams.
A mí no me convence, aunque este año más le vale que esté a la altura.
29. Etan Thomas - WAS [C]
Thomas shares the position with Brendan Haywood, which does neither player any good when it comes to being fantasy contributors. Haywood went public with an offseason trade demand, and sources claim that his relationship with coach Eddie Jordan has deteriorated. If Haywood’s dealt, Thomas stands to see more minutes and could put up serviceable numbers as a rebounder and shot-blocker. Algo debe tener malo porque cualidades no le faltan pero los entrenadores no le quieren.
30. Rasho Nesterovic - TOR [C]
Rasho the Unspectacular will resume the role as Toronto’s starting center, where his biggest fantasy impact will be in preventing Chris Bosh from qualifying at center. With the Raptors going up-tempo in 2006-07, Nesterovic played only 21.0 minutes per game, and that doesn’t figure to increase this year. Nesterovic is a good shot-blocker, who can produce in that category for a limited time, but he’s not someone to start every night on a fantasy roster. Bufff "Horchata mix forever".
31. Jeff Foster - IND [C]
Foster and Troy Murphy will be sharing the center position for Indiana, but Foster doesn’t have the kind of offensive skill to make a difference in fantasy hoops. He’s a great low-post defender and gets tons of rebounds in short minutes, but with firepower lacking at other areas on the Pacers’ roster, he becomes a liability on offense.
Buen y peculiar pívot este.
32. Alonzo Mourning - MIA [C]
Mourning has been good for 20 minutes per game during the last two seasons, which have included long stretches when he’s been the starting center. Shaquille O’Neal’s spotty health gives Mourning some fantasy value. Even in short minutes, Mourning can get you a lot of blocked shots.
Me encantaba a finales de los 90, me decepcionó con "el asunto" de su enfermendad.
33. Kwame Brown - LAL [C]
Michael Jordan selected him first overall. Mitch Kupchak gave up Caron Butler to get him. Just goes to show you how NBA executives can be fooled by guys with great “measurables.” Brown certainly looks like a great basketball player – until he gets on the court. If you’re thinking this may be the year that Brown turns things around and becomes the player Jordan and Kupchak thought he would be, remember that he had major reconstructive ankle surgery in May and might not be available to start the season. No comment.
34. Johan Petro - SEA [C]
Petro is an athletic big man with good shot-blocking skills, but his offensive game has developed a little bit slower than the Sonics had hoped. He did show flashes toward the end of last season – a 22-point game at the end of March – but he’ll need to show more consistency on the offensive end or the team will likely give Nick Collison, Kurt Thomas or Chris Wilcox most of the big-man minutes once again. Pff, ni idea.
35. Mark Blount - MIN [C]
The addition of all those players from the Celtics will have to shake out before we see if Blount survives as Minnesota’s starting center. He’s worked on the offensive end of his game, and it shows, but he’s not much of a defender or rebounder (career 4.8 rpg), which could hurt his playing time. The influx of Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes and Juwan Howard, and the continued development of second-year man Craig Smith will eat into Blount’s playing time. Jefferson routinely played the center position in Boston and could do the same with the Timberwolves, who now find themselves with an assortment of front line players. De los jugadores que detesto, suelen ser bases pero en este caso es un pívot. No tiene ni cerebro ni cualidad técnica niguna.
36. Brendan Haywood - WAS [C]
As the other half of the Wizards’ center tandem, Haywood can rebound, block shots and occasionally show a few moves with his back to the basket. With that said, he’s reportedly feuding with platoon-mate Etan Thomas and possibly even his head coach Eddie Jordan. If Haywood gets a ticket out of town, where he lands will in large part determine his fantasy value. Podía haber dado más de sí.
37. DeSagana Diop - DAL [PF,C]
Diop has one purpose for the Mavericks, and that’s to alter and block shots. He won’t score much, nor will he put up huge rebounding numbers. Moreover, he’ll share minutes with Erick Dampier once again this season. If you need a No. 2 center in deeper leagues who won’t shoot enough free throws to hurt you and who will do his part in blocks, he can fill the bill. "Íbidem".
38. Greg Oden - POR [C]
NOTE: Oden will miss this season after undergoing knee surgery. If you are in keeper leagues, you should still give him serious consideration at some point in your draft. Following is what we thought about him before the injury. The key will be how he is able to recover.
Oden is already at a level where he can be an elite NBA defender. His offensive game still needs work, but he’ll step right into the starting center spot in Portland. From his limited exposure during Summer League, Oden will have to learn how NBA officials call games – he was whistled for 19 fouls in two games. As the season goes on, his comfort level should increase, and he should be a fine contributor in blocked shots and rebounds. Just don’t overpay for his off-the-charts long-term upside – he shot just 62 percent from the line in college and is unlikely to put up huge offensive numbers out of the gate.
Probable símbolo del ocaso de los pívots.
entrada de Wilt a las
9:19 p. m.
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