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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SALY, SENEGAL – JULY 28: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers participates during a NBA Academy Africa clinic on July 28, 2019 in Saly, Senegal. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALY, SENEGAL – JULY 28: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers participates during a NBA Academy Africa clinic on July 28, 2019 in Saly, Senegal. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Joel Embiid – PHI

Now the real controversy begins. Yes, I am one of those guys that believe Nikola Jokic is a better center and more valuable than Joel Embiid. This is not because I don’t see what Embiid brings to the table, I can see that he is not only one of the best all-around players in the league, but he is also likely the 2nd best offensive and 2nd best defensive center in the NBA.

Embiid has only been in the league a short time, but his most recent year was pretty telling of what he is capable of. In 2018-19, Embiid averaged 27.5 points per game, 13.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.9 blocks in just under 34 minutes of game time. Embiid is a special talent and he has really carried the Philadelphia 76ers into NBA Finals hopefuls.

DENVER, CO – MAY 12: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets makes a signal during Game Seven of the Western Conference Semi-Finals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs against the Portland Trail Blazers on May 12, 2019 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – MAY 12: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets makes a signal during Game Seven of the Western Conference Semi-Finals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs against the Portland Trail Blazers on May 12, 2019 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. Nikola Jokic – DEN

I have a few reasons for picking Nikola Jokic over Joel Embiid and even if you disagree with my ranking, these are factual statements that play a part in the decision. The first reason I picked Jokic is because of injury. Embiid has missed several games and even playoff games due to injury. He has never played more than 64 games in a season, whereas Jokic has never played less than 73 in a season.

The other reason I like Jokic as the best center in the league is his playmaking ability. I think adding that dimension to the center position has made Denver one of those teams to really watch out for and it all stems from Jokic. I think Jokic and Embiid are easily cemented in as the top two centers in the league and number three isn’t particularly close. But if I get to choose, I am taking Jokic.

Predicting the Western Conference standings for 2019-20. Next

Stay tuned throughout the next several days as the starter rankings for all other positions will be coming out over time.

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