The Smoking Cuban
FanSided

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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BOSTON, MA – JULY 17: Enes Kanter #11 of the Boston Celtics poses for a portrait after being introduced during a press conference on July 17, 2019 at the Auerbach Center in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – JULY 17: Enes Kanter #11 of the Boston Celtics poses for a portrait after being introduced during a press conference on July 17, 2019 at the Auerbach Center in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

16. Enes Kanter – BOS

Although Enes Kanter is not my favorite player in the league, I can’t help but recognize that he is a very effective player. He has never really been a guy that plays a ton of minutes for any of the teams he has represented, but when he is on the court he can hurt you with his scoring and rebounding abilities in a hurry.

With his new situation in Boston, I think Kanter is going to be leaned on a little more heavily for his offense. The Celtics will obviously be led by Kemba Walker and Jayson Tatum, but the Celtics really thrived behind the 1-2 punch that Kyrie Irving and Al Horford brought to the table the last few years. Kanter could step into that role and do it effectively.

SACRAMENTO, CA – MARCH 23: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns warms up against the Sacramento Kings on March 23, 2019 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA – MARCH 23: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns warms up against the Sacramento Kings on March 23, 2019 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

15. Deandre Ayton -PHX

Even though Deandre Ayton quickly became the “I was also drafted this year” guy among the Rookie of the Year finalists last year, he really did have a solid season. Ayton was one of only 15 players last year that averaged a double-double while playing in more than 40 games. His numbers were not super glamorous and he was on the low end of those guys, but it is still impressive.

Ayton suffered a lot from lackadaisical play in his rookie season, looking visibly uninterested on multiple occasions throughout the season. His effort is going to be something that people keep an eye on this year as it will determine his spot among the centers in the league quickly. If he can up his effort, especially on the defensive side of the ball, the sky is the limit for the young man from the Bahamas.

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