His defense improved last year, but is still a problem, as is passing, and stretching his offensive game out beyond ten feet.
Still, A.J. has developed into a reliable rebounder and post scorer on a team with absolutely no other offense. He’s the last guy on the list capable of someday being a good team’s centerpiece.
9) Mehmet Okur—Utah Jazz
A bit of an anomaly, Okur’s defense is all power, and his offense is all finesse. He has easily the best range of any center in the league—well beyond the three-point line. He also has an effective, if awkward, pull-up jumper, and will crash the boards with as much force as anybody.
He’s a solid post defender, though players who can spin quickly, or turn-and-go, leave him in the dust. Because he’s devoid of athleticism, Okur is subpar as a help defender, unable to block shots or get in front of players attacking the basket.
Since defending the post is one of the biggest concerns a team can have, and teams can rarely adjust to a three-point shooting seven-footer, Okur earns his bones in the top ten.
10) Jermaine O’Neal—Toronto Raptors
O’Neal’s always been overly content shooting 20-foot jumpers, and venturing into the low post only when being defended by a weaker, inferior player. He can’t pass, is turnover prone, is soft mentally and physically, is defenseless, overpaid, and a gust of wind can break his bones.
He’s athletic enough to sometimes put up points, but is one of the games true overrated players. Still, 20 points is 20 points, and there aren't too many dynamic forces behind him in the list.
11) Chris Kaman—Los Angeles Clippers
Kaman isn’t dynamic enough to carry a franchise, but he does a number of things reasonably well. His swinging hooks, more often than not, are effective, he’ll try to make the appropriate pass, he’ll rebound, he’ll work hard, and he’ll defend.
12) Udonis Haslem—Miami Heat
Out of position at center, Haslem is a rottweiler, who’ll loyally perform any defensive job with a perfect combination of skill and aggression. He’ll lock down post-threats as well as big men who can turn and face. He’s a bear on both backboards, and is exceptional at screening and floating out to the wing to knock down 18-footers.
Haslem’s overall offensive game is limited, and he can be overpowered by stronger players on the defensive end. In truth, the less you ask of him, the better he’ll perform, especially offensively. Still, Haslem’s a fighter, and an underappreciated role player.
13) Kurt Thomas—San Antonio Spurs
Thomas can still defend the post as well as anybody in the league, and his mid-range baseline jumpers still ring true time and again. He’s getting up there in age, but he’s still reliable.
14) Emeka Okafor—Charlotte Bobcats
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