The Smoking Cuban
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Dallas Mavericks: Ranking the projected starting centers across the NBA

By Kohl Rast

DALLAS, TX - APRIL 3: Dwight Powell #7 of the Dallas Mavericks makes his entrance before the game before the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 3, 2019 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - APRIL 3: Dwight Powell #7 of the Dallas Mavericks makes his entrance before the game before the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 3, 2019 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MEMPHIS, TN – MARCH 25: Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts to a play during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 25, 2019 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN – MARCH 25: Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts to a play during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 25, 2019 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

14. Jonas Valanciunas – MEM

The big man from Lithuania, Jonas Valanciunas is on his way up the center rankings thanks to a really strong finish to the season with the Memphis Grizzlies last year. After spending the first six and a half years of his career with the Toronto Raptors, Valanciunas was included in the deal that sent Marc Gasol to the Great White North.

Although Valanciunas missed a chance at a ring because of this trade, it worked out in his favor in that his game took a step forward with the change in scenery. In 19 games with the Grizzlies, Valanciunas put up career highs in pretty much every statistical category and the team expects him to be able to do it again this year.

BEIJING, CHINA – SEPTEMBER 15: Marc Gasol #13 of Spain kisses the champion trophy after FIBA World Cup 2019 final match between Argentina and Spain at Cadillac Arena on September 15, 2019 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Fu Tian/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images)
BEIJING, CHINA – SEPTEMBER 15: Marc Gasol #13 of Spain kisses the champion trophy after FIBA World Cup 2019 final match between Argentina and Spain at Cadillac Arena on September 15, 2019 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Fu Tian/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images) /

13. Marc Gasol – TOR

Speaking of guys that were traded mid-season, the other half of the Toronto/Memphis trade is just ahead of Valanciunas in the form of former Defensive Player of the Year and three-time All-Star, Marc Gasol. Despite being 34 years old, Gasol proved that he can still be a very effective player in the most important games last year.

Statistically, Gasol is probably not in the top 15 or maybe even the top 20 here, but his experience and his performance on the biggest stage make him one of the most valuable centers out there. Gasol played a huge role in the Raptors win over the Warriors in the Finals because he knew how to be effective when it mattered most. This is a hard thing to gauge here, but it is something that absolutely has to be considered in these rankings.

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