OT-Hollinger article on centers

[no_hops_23]

Start clicking through games on NBA League Pass and try finding teams that are struggling in the middle -- you'll quickly see that rumors of the center's demise have been greatly exaggerated. In fact, only a few teams have a real problem at the position. By my count, there are four: Toronto, New Jersey, Seattle and (sadly) Chicago. That's it

Four others, Atlanta, Boston, Memphis and Dallas, could be better but are getting by OK with what they've got. And an additional two teams, Miami and Portland, would be fine were it not for injuries to their star big men.

Are we really that bad? Are we truly one of the worst 4 teams in the league at the center position?

Link

It is an insider article but currently it is available for free.

[Darrick Martin]

Are we really that bad? Are we truly one of the worst 4 teams in the league at the center position?

Yes since we have two soft euro centres and an undersized man in Humps

[TheRealDeal]

bargnani- all-star potential regardless of sub-par season
hump- would be a serviceable backup for most teams in the L
rasho- good in spot minutes/above average defender

[davkad]

While reading this thread, i got the idea that the raptors could use a Center on one of the teams mentioned to be lacking one... Stromile Swift. We need someone in the middle who is not offensive, and won't be taking away people's shots - add to that a shot blocking presence, and a guy who can throw down a nice strong flush (and runs the court well for a center). Beyond that, Stro has the same amount of years left on his contract.

I ran this through the trade checker, and would like your guys' opinions:

Stromile Swift + Damon Stoudamire

for

Rasho Nesterovich + Joey Graham

[tecumseh18]

I ran this through the trade checker, and would like your guys' opinions:

Stromile Swift + Damon Stoudamire

for

Rasho Nesterovich + Joey Graham

Not the worst suggestion I've seen. Probably a non-starter if TJ's coming back in 10 days. Rasho had a good game yesterday, and is the only solid force in the middle that we have, but if he's again deemed too slow to see the floor this year in the playoffs, then what's the point?

If it's edge we want, we've already seen this year that Swift can be mean. But so can Rasho (I love seeing him match up against Evans). So the trade is a wash on that score. Actually, with Joey gone, we lose even more strength and toughness.

[no_hops_23]

I don't love swift but I agree we need a defensive center who can run the floor.

[raps4life~]

are we really that bad at center?


yes.



we NEED a big huge guy to play a crap load of minutes and grab 10 - 12 rebounds a game. not rasho, not hump not bargs. if we expect to go anywhere we need to acquire someone like this.