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While there appears to be decent depth – not star-power – at most positions in
this draft, there are hardly any true centers who figure to make an impact in
the NBA.

Only two – Connecticut’s Hasheem Thabeet and Ohio State’s B.J. Mullens – are projected
to go in the first round, and only those two are locks to get drafted at all.
If the draft plays out that way, which seems very likely, it would be the first
time in 30 years that less than three centers were drafted in the first round
(Bill Cartwright was the lone center taken in the first round of the 1979 draft).
Let’s take a quick look at the top five available:

 
 

Hasheem Thabeet

 

1. Hasheem Thabeet,
UConn

Thabeet is the definition of a high-risk, high-reward prospect. Players like him
– 7-foot-3 with athleticism and mobility that isn’t supposed to fit that frame
– don’t come along often. Given Thabeet’s immense improvement in his three years
at UConn, it’s safe to say that he has the highest ceiling of any player in this
draft not named Blake Griffin. But, at the same time, Thabeet’s offensive skills
are nowhere near ready for the NBA. His back-to-the-basket game is very limited,
and, despite his improvements, he is very prone to turnovers when he catches the
ball down low. Thabeet did, however, demonstrate a nice touch from the foul line,
which leads some to believe he can develop a consistent midrange jumper in the
pros. Thabeet will instantly become one of the best shot-blockers in the league,
but his overall development hinges on his offense.

2. BJ Mullens, Ohio State

Mullens was a big-time recruit at Ohio State, but struggled to live up to expectations
as a freshman (he averaged 8.8 points and 4.7 rebounds per game). Nonetheless,
he has considerable potential. At 7-feet, Mullens moves well and has tremendous
agility and athleticism. Mullens is at least two years away from contributing,
but given the lack of depth at center, he should find a spot in the mid first
round with a team that can afford to wait for him to fulfill his potential.

3. Vyacheslav Kravtsov, Ukraine

Athletically, Kravtsov shows nice potential. At 6-foot-11, 235 pounds, he possesses
great length and excellent strength as well. Unlike many foreign big men, he isn’t
perceived as “soft” at all. Kravtsov plays with a high-motor and is very physical
on both ends. From a skills perspective, however, he’s still a few years away
from contributing in the NBA. He projects as a mid-second round pick, but could
go earlier if a team decides it would rather stash him away in Europe for a few
years rather than risk a contract with a college player. Has a 7-2 1/2 wingspan
and a 9-foot-3 standing reach.

4. Vitor Faverani, Brazil

Again, the best word to describe Favarani is “potential.” The 6-foot-11 agile
bigman has been on the radar of NBA GMs for a few years now, but he hasn’t found
a way to add consistent skills to his natural athleticism. Favarani showed signs
of improvement this season in the Spanish league, where he averaged 12 points
and 5.8 rebounds per game in 20 minutes of action. He’s also improved steadily
from the free throw line, as he knocked down 74 percent of his attempts over the
past year. But the knocks on him persist that he lacks the fire to maximize his
abilities.

5. Henk Norel, Netherlands

A 7-footer with excellent shooting touch, Norel stands a chance at getting drafted
because of how weak this group of centers is. He has some intriguing skills –
he can knock down an open jumpshot and score around the basket – but physically,
he is by no means an NBA center. He averaged just 6.1 points and 2.2 rebounds
per game in Euroleague play this past season. It also helps that he has a standing
reach of 9-feet-2.

Honorable Mention:

Garret Siler, Augusta State; Russell
Hicks
, Florida International; Luke Nevill,
Utah; Marcus Cousin, Houston; Aron
Baynes
, Washington State.

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