NBA: Ranking all 30 starting centers for 2018-19

24. Marcin Gortat, Los Angeles Clippers

The Los Angeles Clippers‘ reasons for letting DeAndre Jordan walk make sense, and their attention is fixated on 2019 free agency anyway, but there’s no question they’ve downgraded at center with Marcin Gortat‘s arrival.

Gortat isn’t washed up by any means, but his 8.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 0.7 blocks per game last year were by and large the worst numbers of his career since he was a rarely used backup behind Dwight Howard in Orlando. You know, back in 2010.

Now, the 34-year-old has clearly lost a step. He’s nowhere near as efficient around the basket, he’s a liability on defense when teams go small and he’ll be playing for a Clippers team that still wants to be competitive. Gortat still has something to offer, but the change in playing styles at center will be pretty evident compared to the rim-running, rim-protected DJ.