OrlandoMagic.com's Josh Cohen projects the best centers for the 2018-19 season. Click through this slideshow for full rankings and analysis.
Note: The contents of this gallery have not been reviewed or endorsed by the Orlando Magic and do not reflect the opinions of the Magic’s Basketball Operations staff, partners or sponsors.
Honorable Mentions
Marc Gasol – Will the return of Mike Conley help the 33-year-old return to familiar form after a generally disappointing 2017-18 campaign? Also, will Gasol and promising rookie Jaren Jackson Jr. connect in the frontcourt?
Mohamed Bamba – It’s obviously going to take time – and a lot of training in the weight room – before the Harlem, N.Y. native makes a big impact in Orlando. But, with that 7-foot-10 wingspan, Bamba may already be one of the premier rim protectors in the league.
DeMarcus Cousins – Really, the four-time All-Star is much better than an honorable mention. But considering he is still recovering from a torn Achilles and may not return until some point in 2019, it seemed only fair to slide him down a bit. Regardless, joining the Warriors gives Cousins a great opportunity to win his first NBA title.
Brook Lopez – Milwaukee ranked 27th in 3-pointers made and 21st in 3-point percentage in 2017-18. Adding a 3-point shooting center may help bump the Bucks up in these 3-point shooting categories.
DeAndre Jordan – Expect Dallas’ new acquisition to catch a lot of alley-oop tosses from Dennis Smith Jr. and Luka Doncic.
Dwight Howard – Now on his fourth team in four years, the eight-time NBA All-Star hopes he can help John Wall, Bradley Beal and the rest of the Wizards rise in the East.
Steven Adams – Paul George re-signing with the Thunder was, obviously, the No. 1 storyline in OKC this summer. Adams’ breakout 2017-18 season was second.