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NBA Power Rankings: All 30 Starting Centers

By Shane Young

Oct 30, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Charlotte Bobcats center Al Jefferson (25) controls the ball during the second quarter as Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) defends at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Charlotte Bobcats center Al Jefferson (25) controls the ball during the second quarter as Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) defends at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 26, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Samuel Dalembert (1) reacts after scoring during the game against the San Antonio Spurs in game three of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Dallas won 109-108. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 26, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Samuel Dalembert (1) reacts after scoring during the game against the San Antonio Spurs in game three of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Dallas won 109-108. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

27.  Samuel Dalembert — New York Knicks

To be perfectly clear, is it even plausible to think Phil Jackson keeps Dalembert along for the magic ride New York is in store for this season?  The chances are still higher than they would be if Tyson Chandler was still on board at center.

Neither center screams offensive play-making or prestige in back-to-the-basket scoring, and the triangle offense is going to ask any center to be ready to score at all times.  It’s not favorable to have big men that players can sag off on defense, and the fact that Dalembert hasn’t averaged double digit point production since 2007-08 isn’t an optimistic view for the Knicks’ offense.

However, he doesn’t live to be the focal point, and was actually rather efficient last season for Rick Carlisle … when he was allowed to operate.  Dalembert’s 56.8 percent from the field was the highest he’s registered during his entire 12-year career, but he didn’t contribute enough to the glass to help Dallas’ case in the West.  Grabbing roughly the same amount of rebounds as Roy Hibbert (on average) could be an hysterical punchline to a big man’s season, as Dalembert’s 6.8 boards per night has been the 33-year-old’s typical season mark.

Dallas needed extra effort in that department, however, and it’s exactly why they’ll embrace the return of Chandler.  Ranking 26th overall in total rebounds per night (40.9), the Mavericks were lacking on both ends of the glass.

It’s time for Derek Fisher to figure out what possible solutions can be made for the frontcourt in New York.  Since the aging Dalembert obviously isn’t in future plans, Jackson needs to think about swallowing this season and continue building the roster to please Carmelo Anthony next year.