Center Roundup: M.Gasol, Kaman, Bargnani & B. Wallace

It's really rare to see talk about Centers not named Dwight Howard. Working-the-post like Al Jefferson or Tim Duncan seems to get less and less appreciation and certainly aren't favored by highlight reels on SportsCenter. I think a handful of these under-the-radar Centers deserve a mention.

I admit it - I actually find the Grizzlies fun to watch. Marc Gasol is one of the reasons (a lot more enjoyable to watch than his bro) and has really surprised me to begin this season. He's got the benefit of Randolph distracting attention in the post (much like Bynum has stars to detract attention from him) but in these early stages, it looks like he might belong with Brooks Lopez, Andrew Bynum and Kaman as a developing new category of young Centers in the NBA.

All four of the the mentioned above are 7'0 tall and over 260 lbs. What is amazing is that they are all extremely mobile and active for their size. Unlike other centers that have size and strength but a weak offensive game, or athleticism or a shot but lacking in strength, these guys seem to be a fusion of both worlds (compare to other young Centers like Oden or Joakim Noah). They don't rely just on easy dunks off putbacks or open layups yet are all shooting over 55% with relatively agile and efficient post moves and a mid-range shot. They do this while still being able to anchor the middle and resist opposing players from backing down inside defensively and are averaging over 10 boards a game (with the exception of Lopez). Bynum and Marc are averaging 4 offensive boards per game thus far.

For me, the best of the bunch is Chris Kaman. The year before his injury, he quietly averaged close to 15.7 ppg, 12.7 boards and 2.8 blocks. The first five games of this year, he's averaging 22.6 ppg. I don't know if it's that I'm secretly in love with his hair, but every time I watch him play, I feel he is constantly active, and moving and spacing to the right place on the floor. His midrange jumper is much improved. I feel like I rarely see him not block out immediately on a shot. It's gotten to the point where I have to stop and pause and actually give him consideration when someone asks me who the top 3 C's in the NBA are right now. I'm switching to GEICO.

The reason I feel Andrea Bargnani deserves a mention (55% FG, 2.5 3pm, 22.0 ppg) is that of the teams that have decided to play more of a "smaller and lighter" run-and-gun style of basketball (Golden State, Suns, Raptors, Knicks, Kings etc...), I think the Raptors picked the winner at the Center spot. I used to think Andris Biedrins was a pretty effective C for the Warriors, but you can't rely on his offensive game at all outside of 5 ft. David Lee is great but undersized and can't spread the floor or gun the same way Bargnani can. Like Marc Gasol, it remains to be seen if the upward progression will continue but for now, Bargnani is looking just right for the system.

Lastly, I just think Ben Wallace should get some props. He's not back looking like defensive player of the year but who thought he still had this much in him after two years of decline in Chicago and two years of decline in Cleveland? The first five games - played 31:06 mpg and grabbed 10.0 rpg including holding Bogut to 6 pts in one contest and Dwight to 8 pts in another. Show them you still got it Big Ben.