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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OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – APRIL 19: Steven Adams #12 of the Oklahoma City Thunder backs down Meyers Leonard #11 of the Portland Trail Blazers during game three of the Western Conference quarterfinals at Chesapeake Energy Arena on April 19, 2019 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – APRIL 19: Steven Adams #12 of the Oklahoma City Thunder backs down Meyers Leonard #11 of the Portland Trail Blazers during game three of the Western Conference quarterfinals at Chesapeake Energy Arena on April 19, 2019 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /

10. Steven Adams – OKC

One player that doesn’t seem to earn as much credit as he should with his play is Oklahoma City Thunder center and New Zealand native, Steven Adams. Adams has been a force for the OKC Thunder for several years now, working as a great rebounder, solid defender, good cutter and great lane clearer for Russell Westbrook to come in and get the last 6 rebounds needed for his triple-double.

With a new look offense around Adams, he could falter a little bit, but I think he will actually find his stride a little more with his rebound and assist numbers likely ready to take a nice little jump. Adams barely cracks the top 10 here, but I think he has earned the spot as one of the more consistent bigs in the league.

LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 3: Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets looks on during the game against the LA Clippers on April 3, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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 Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 3: Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets looks on during the game against the LA Clippers on April 3, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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 Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images) /

9. Clint Capela – HOU

One of the more intriguing centers in the league, Clint Capela is yet another guy that will not necessarily blow your mind when you see him on the court. Although he is young and agile, his movement is fluid and processed, making his motion look slower, when in reality his movement on offense and defense is very effective.

There has been a belief that Capela has not been as good recently as he was in years past, but statistically he is scoring more and grabbing more rebounds than ever before. His block and steal numbers each dipped and his defensive rating was not as high as it has been, but it wasn’t bad by any means though. Capela is a really good big man that is still getting better. This season will be very interesting for him.

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