Centers of attention

2010 is here...duh!!! It's been 4 months already!!! What that means for teams with cap space to spare??? There's only 2 months separating them from cashing out on a player or players that will shape their franchises and the NBA for the next 5 years or so. All the wing players are getting alot of attention but not much has been written about the dying breed in American basketball: The Center. It used to be one of the premier positions in the NBA where it seems like very team had a decent one that could at the very least rebound and block shots. That's basically what's traditionally asked of the center position. D'antoni is not one for tradition as far as his offensive philosophy. I'll get into that as we go along. First I'll start throwing some names out there.

Our first mention...Drum roll please....



Jerome James!!! Sorry Bloggers I couldn't resist...

In all seriousness, lets get started. Please note that there are several players with early termination clauses in their contracts. It's hard to believe a player like Tyson Chandler or his Bobcat teammate would give up any money just to be a free agent this off-season.



Drew Gooden...He's had somewhat of a soft label placed upon him since his days in Kansas. The numbers say he's a legit 11-14pts, 8-9 rebound a game player that's a decent low post defender. He has a respectable low post game as well and can hit the outside jumper. At 6'10" he'd be still be able to hold his own in the middle and he has, especially recently in his career. My brief scouting report on the dude says D'antoni all over it. He signed a one year deal to play in Dallas last season for less than the mid-level exemption, at 4.5 mill. That's still his price range. He's not Patrick Ewing but he's still a decent option in this dry crop of free agents.



Primoz Brezec...This may seem obscure to some, but this dude hasn't been givin much of a chance to play in the NBA. He was actually drafted by Donni Walsh in Indiana. Those teams were pretty good at the time so he was buried on their bench. After 3 seasons he had some what of a breakout when he was selected in the Bobcat expansion draft. He averaged 12pts and 6 rebounds in about 30 mins per game over the course of 2 seasons. They all of a sudden his 3rd year came around and he was an after thought...he began getting traded and left for dead on the end of teams benches. How does one go from producing at a respectable clip to being an after thought in a league thirsty for centers? I personally liked what I saw if Brezec while in Indiana and was glad to see him show his talent with the Bobcats. If he still wants to remain in the NBA, he's be a dirt cheap talent that possess all the skills D'antoni looks for at the center position.



Matt Bonner...He's been a role player for the San Antonio Spurs his entire career. They've always used him sparingly but he's seen his role increase this season especially in these playoffs. He's a typical Coach Pop player. Does what he's told, defends, and hits his open jumpers. He might desire a starting job, but why would he wanna leave the "Hot Tub Time Machine" that is the Spurs...let's speed this up.



DJ Mbenga...Tough player...Somewhat made a name for himself by showing some signs while Andrew Bynum was nursing injuries. He can block shots, rebound and run the floor. That's a given. What was surprising is the offensive game. He's no Wilt Chamberlain but he showed a turn around jumper, jump hook, and an outside touch. He also strikes me as confident guy so he may be looking for more minutes even if it means losing his season tickets at the end of Phil Jackson's bench. He'll be cheap.




Brendan Haywood a.k.a. Harlem's Finest! Born but not raised...Anyway, the dude has always been an under achiever but he brings grit, good shot blocking, toughness and a 7pt, 6 rebound average over 24 mins per game for his career. I've read from more than one outlet that he'd command up to 10 mill per year. Well God Bless him. I don't think he's worth that much. He is worth a signing for about 4-5 mill cuz of his shot blocking. With the uncertainty in Dallas maybe he looks to find a permanent home.

Did someone say Dallas???



Dirk mother freakin Nowitzki sounded like he lost his cell phone in his post game interview the other night. His team loses yet again in glorious fashion. The dude sounded downright through. "Options" is the word he used. D'antoni likes to have options as well and having a guy like Dirk play center is exactly what his offense calls for. He has an early termination clause in his contract and would be walking away from 21 million for next year. Let's face it. Aside from Rodrigue Beaubois, the team doesn't have much upside or room to really improve the team anymore that it already has. The Knicks have a rare opportunity to start from scratch and build a team around a core group of star players. Let's hope MSG is on his short list of options....I mean he's a fan of Gallo right??? Gotta amount to something...

Dream on DieHards.