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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ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 21: Alex Len #25 of the Atlanta Hawks shoots the ball against the Utah Jazz on March 21, 2019 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 21: Alex Len #25 of the Atlanta Hawks shoots the ball against the Utah Jazz on March 21, 2019 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

28. Alex Len – ATL

Alex Len is a pretty good do-it-all type center for the Atlanta Hawks and, although he does not excel in any one particular area, he is not someone you have to take off the court for any exploitable reason either. Len is going into his 7th year in the NBA after spending his first five years with the Phoenix Suns before making his way over to Atlanta.

The thing about having Len this low is that I actually think he is a pretty decent center. The NBA has seemingly gone away from the big men, but in reality there are quite a few really solid big men in the league. Obviously Len and a vast majority of them aren’t going to be your primary offensive option, but that does not mean that he hasn’t earned a starting role in the NBA. And he is just getting better.

ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 29: Dewayne Dedmon #14 of the Atlanta Hawks jocks for a position during the game against Maurice Harkless #4 of the Portland Trail Blazers on March 29, 2019 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Jasear Thompson/NBAE via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 29: Dewayne Dedmon #14 of the Atlanta Hawks jocks for a position during the game against Maurice Harkless #4 of the Portland Trail Blazers on March 29, 2019 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Jasear Thompson/NBAE via Getty Images) /

27. Dewayne Dedmon – SAC

Next up we have Dewayne Dedmon, former Hawks center that signed with the Sacramento Kings in the offseason. Dedmon is going into his 7th year in the league and coming off his best season as well, although he is now 30 years old. There is a lot to like about Dedmon from his hustle to his impressive development of a three-point shot.

The biggest issue here honestly is the contract that the Kings decided to sign Dedmon to. At 3 years, $40 million, that is a lot of cash for a guy who has averaged 6.5 points and 6 rebounds for his career. Dedmon is a solid center and definitely serviceable as a starter, but he is getting paid like a key piece to the roster. I am not convinced that he is that.

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