2004 Position Review: Centers, Part 2

At the end of every draft you’ll find one or two teams with an open spot at C, taking anyone who’s 7 ft tall and/or from eastern europe. Don’t be one of those teams! Instead, take one of these guys:

Tier 5: The Upsiders.

13. Eddy Curry (CHI) – I’ll admit it. I think Curry could be one of the best sleeper picks in the league this year if he falls far enough. Sure, he won’t get double-digit rebounds or more than 1 block per game, but he’s flat nasty on the offensive end. He’s a near lock for 15 points a game this year, maybe more, and if he gets 8 boards and 1.5 blocks, isn’t that pretty good for a center?
Take Him: In the 6th. He was the 9th-highest scorer last year among centers.
But Remember: You’ll need some help in blocks and boards from non-traditional spots.

14. Chris Bosh (TOR) – Very quietly, Bosh was a top-20 center last year. This year he could be a top 10 center, just as quietly. Look for Magloire-esque numbers out of Bosh this year, maybe averaging a double-double.
Take Him: In the 6th. He won’t blow you away, but he’ll be solid.
But Remember: You never know who’s gonna have that sophomore slump.

15. Nene (DEN) – While Nene didn’t slump his sophomore year, he didn’t really improve his numbers at all. Nonetheless, he’s a steals machine, something you won’t find much of at the C position.
Take Him: In the 8th. He’s only 22, and could be ready to improve his stats.
But Remember: That’s a crowded front court he’s playing with in Denver.

16. Stromile Swift (MEM) – Boy, I was big-time disappointed when he didn’t get moved in the offseason. Swift could be a top-5 (yes, 5) center in fantasy if he played 35 minutes a game. Instead, he plays under 20 in share-the-floor Memphis, meaning his incredible 3.71 blocks per 48 minutes are whittled down to under 2.
Take Him: Late. He’s worth holding onto in case someone has to miss some time in the Memphis frontcourt.
But Remember: He’s not gonna get enough playing time to be valuable unless that happens.

17. Emeka Okafor (CHA) – Why not? He’s gonna get plenty of minutes, he claims to be healthy, and he should block enough shots to deserve a spot in your starting lineup.
Take Him: In the 8th. Rookies. Who knows?
But Remember: That back could flare up at any time.

Tier 5: The Vets

18. Mark Blount (BOS) – OK, this one makes no sense. Seattle’s 2nd-round draft pick in 1997, Blount doesn’t make the team, then catches on with the Celtics in 2000, and never scores more than 5 points per game in Boston. Then last year, after a promising first half of 8.6/5.6, after the All-Star break, he explodes! 13.5 points, 10.3 boards, 1.3 stl, 1.4 blk, and a disgusting 56% from the field. WHAT?
Take Him: In the 6th or 7th. I mean, I can’t explain it either, but you gotta take a shot.
But Remember: The first 28 years of his life.

19. Erick Dampier (DAL) – Nope. Don’t like this one bit. You ain’t foolin’ me, Dampier, you’re still a lazy, out-of-shape, injury prone center. Then again, you do get a lot of blocks…
Take Him: In the 8th, and no earlier. He does have decent upside – even though that was the last tier.
But Remember: He could be the first player drafted in the first 8 rounds to see the waiver wire. That’s not true, but still.

20. Kurt Thomas (NYK) – A nice, safe late pick. He doesn’t do anything particularly well, but he hasn’t missed more than 5 games since 1998, gets decent points, boards, and blocks. And that’s all you need from a second center.
Take Him: In the 8th-10th rounds. Solid.
But Remember: I said solid, not spectacular. What you see is what you get – PJ Brown at center.

21. Chris Mihm (LAL) – Mihm could very quietly be a very solid center for your team if Vlade is out for a long time. He’s never seen more than 22 mpg, but with Divac out, it’s him and Medvedenko. If Mihm manages to find 32 minutes a night, he’ll give you 12/8 with 2 blocks. You could do much worse.
Take Him: Late, then sit him on the bench for the first week or two to see if he gets minutes.
But Remember: Short leash with this guy.

Tier 6: The Best of The Rest.

22. Alonzo Mourning (NJN) – I mean, maybe, right? He’s been playing this preseason…who knows.
23. Clifford Robinson (GSW) – Yes, he’s still in the league, and yes, he still shoots 3’s, but that’s it. Worth owning, though.
24. Brian Grant (LAL) - He’s not a center, he won’t get you 10 points or even 8 boards at this point.
25. Mehmet Okur (UTH) – Fun Fact: He’s from Yalova Turkey. That might be so, but Ilova Roast Beef. Don’t draft him until very late.

Tier 7: Don’t. Just Don’t.

26. Kelvin Cato (ORL) – He always looks THIS close to being an amazing player, but he can never put it together.
27. Brendan Haywood (WAS) – A big weenie. Take him if you like those.
28. Etan Thomas (WAS) – Hurt.
29. Christian Laettner (MIA) – Come on.
30. Michael Olowakandi (MIN) – I’ve given up on this guy. You should, too.