Orlando Magic: 6 Young Centers That Could Replace Dwight Howard

Going under the assumption that Dwight Howard will soon be in another NBA uniform, the Orlando Magic are going to have to somehow eventually find a way to replace Howard's 20.1 PPG and 15.3 RPG, much less his defensive presence.

There's no real easy way to replace Howard, and if he's dealt, the Magic will surely use one of the likely first-round picks they would receive on a young big man, but in the meantime, they could find a way to plug a hole.

Whether or not they acquire a center in a deal for Howard or make a separate deal to land a new center, general manager Otis Smith is going to have to do something to bridge the gap.

Here's a look at six young centers the Magic could target to replace Howard if and when they decide to deal him.

Brook Lopez

Now, we know the Magic don't have a ton of interest in Lopez, but good big men are hard to find, and Lopez has averaged 17.4 PPG and 7.5 RPG throughout his career.

He's only 23 years old, and while he's not Howard, he's not bad by any stretch of the imagination.

If the Nets end up acquiring Howard, Lopez will certainly be part of the deal. The only question is if he will be coming to the Magic or being shipped to a third team.

Andrew Bynum

Bynum's only 24 years old and is in the middle of his best season of his seven-year career, averaging 16.3 PPG and 12.8 RPG.

The Lakers look like less of an option for Howard by the day, but if it's a potentially dominant big man they want, the opportunity could be there with Bynum.

He's the next best thing in the NBA to Howard right now and easily could help out with the production that would be lost with the loss of Howard.

Al Jefferson

Jefferson's having a very good season in Utah, and while he's 27 right now, he's got some good years still ahead of him.

Currently, he's averaging 19.1 PPG and 9.4 PPG, but Utah had him on the block before the season began, and with Enes Kanter the center of the future, the Jazz could continue to rebuild by potentially jumping in as a third team in any Howard deal.

He's a solid big man who's put five solid seasons together in a row now and could step in immediately and fill the void.

Nikola Pekovic

At age 26, Pekovic has been quite the surprise in Minnesota so far, averaging 12.5 PPG and 7.2 RPG for the 17-17 Timberwolves.

If Minnesota's looking to acquire some key parts, and they need some shooting, they could dangle Pekovic Orlando's way.

He's talented on the block and aggressive on the boards and would be the type of guy worth taking a shot on.

In addition, his value is at its highest point, so he's the perfect guy for the Wolves to attempt to deal.

Byron Mullens

Only 23 years old and with Charlotte struggling, the Magic could make a play for Mullens, and could likely get him pretty cheap.

He's been a work in progress and consistency has been an issue, but he's put up decent 9.7 PPG and 4.3 RPG. A better opportunity with a better team, and he might be able to put up better numbers.

Marreese Speights

He's a big body, and with Zach Randolph hopefully returning soon for Memphis, Speights could be expendable.

The 24-year-old has filled in admirably in Memphis after being acquired from Philadelphia, averaging 8.6 PPG and 6.5 RPG. He's no All-Star, but with a bigger role, he could offer up more production.