NBA: Ranking all 30 starting centers for 2018-19

12. Jusuf Nurkic, Portland Trail Blazers

Jusuf Nurkic failed to post the standout individual numbers some were anticipating, but his impact on the Portland Trail Blazers — especially on the defensive end, where Rip City became a top-10 defense — shouldn’t be overlooked.

After averaging an eye-popping 15.2 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.9 blocks and 1.3 steals per game over his first 20 games with the team in 2016-17, his stat line wasn’t quite as impressive in his first full season, dipping to 14.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.4 blocks and 0.8 steals per game.

The Bosnian Beast has no 3-point range, but his massive frame in the middle is a natural deterrent at the rim, and part of the reason Portland’s defense improved so much. At just 24 years old, it’s scary to think he still has plenty of room for improvement in the first year of his new contract.