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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Brook Lopez of the US reacts to a point against Canada during their friendly basketball match in Sydney on August 26, 2019, ahead of the World Basketball Championships in China starting on August 31. (Photo by SAEED KHAN / AFP) / –IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE– (Photo credit should read SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images)
Brook Lopez of the US reacts to a point against Canada during their friendly basketball match in Sydney on August 26, 2019, ahead of the World Basketball Championships in China starting on August 31. (Photo by SAEED KHAN / AFP) / –IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE– (Photo credit should read SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images) /

8. Brook Lopez – MIL

It is kind of weird putting someone as old as Brook Lopez this high in the rankings, but he was just such a difference maker last year with his shooting, his rebounding and his leadership. The Milwaukee Bucks may have come up short in the Eastern Conference Finals, but they should definitely be considered the favorites to take the East this year. Lopez is a key part of that.

Brook is now joined in Milwaukee with his brother, Robin Lopez, and I actually think that is going to do good things for his game this year. Also, playing alongside the NBA MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo certainly never hurt anyone’s chances of finding an open shot. Lopez is not really a traditional center, but he plays his role better than any other big in the league could.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 24: Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers is seen during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 24, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 24: Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers is seen during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 24, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

7. Myles Turner – IND

I am expecting a breakout year this year from the former big man at the University of Texas. Myles Turner is entering his 5th season in the league and has quickly earned a reputation as one of the best shot blockers in the league. With Turner, though, there is a whole lot more to his game than just his shot blocking.

Myles has become a threat above the rim as well as a pretty dangerous three-point shooter. That kind of versatility on offense hasn’t been a constant area of focus for the Indiana Pacers, but they know they can rely on him when they need to. Even Turner’s rebound numbers have been getting better, something he has clearly been working on. The sky is the limit for this 23 year old.

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