Every NBA Roster's Weakest Position for 2013-14

Every NBA team, no matter how good or bad, has a weak position on the roster.

Sometimes, it’s an inexperienced rookie who is in way over his head. Other times, it’s an aging veteran expected to shoulder a burden he no longer can carry.

Either way, every team is only as strong as its weakest link.

Whether you’re the two-time NBA champions Miami Heat or the two-time cellar-dwelling Charlotte Bobcats, it’s an issue that is equally as frustrating. Given the new CBA regulations, it’s also almost impossible to prevent.

Here are the positions where each of the 30 teams in the league could use some help.

Author's note: All depth chart information and player positioning are provided by ESPN.com.

Atlanta Hawks: Small Forward

Positional Depth Chart

1. Kyle Korver 2. DeMarre Carroll

The Lowdown

The Atlanta Hawks made some key changes to their lineup this offseason. One of the biggest changes—losing Josh Smith to free agency—has left the team with a void at small forward.

Kyle Korver looks more than capable of handling the role.

Swapping time between shooting guard and small forward, he averaged 10.9 points per game on 46.1 percent shooting. His impressive three-point shooting gives the Hawks a wing player with some punch—Korver’s percentage of 45.7 ranked second in the league last year.

But with guard Lou Williams returning from an ACL injury, it’s likely that Atlanta would prefer to keep him on the bench for a while. That would mean Korver is likely to spend some time at guard as well.

However, that could pose a problem for the Hawks, which only have DeMarre Carroll on the depth chart at small forward after Korver.

In four seasons, the 27-year-old hasn’t showed much aptitude to be a successful starter in the league. He has a career average of just 4.2 points and 2.3 rebounds over 16.8 minutes per game.

General manager Danny Ferry has shown interest in adding another wing player in the past. But he needs to make it a top priority if he wants Atlanta to be competitive over the next couple of years.

Boston Celtics: Center

Positional Depth Chart

1. Kelly Olynyk 2. Vitor Faverani



The Lowdown

Kevin Garnett left behind some big shoes to fill. He also left the Boston Celtics with several headaches when it comes to the center position.

As it stands, the team currently has three players on the depth chart at the position.

There’s just one problem: All three are currently 25 years old or younger. Not to mention, they have a combined total of six minutes of NBA experience among them.

Sure, 13th overall draft pick Kelly Olynyk showed some potential during the summer league by averaging 18 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.8 steals over 24.2 minutes per game. However, the verdict is still out on whether he can handle the pressure of playing against NBA-level competition.

While Vitor Faverani also offers promise, he too will be entering his first season in the league. 

Both Jared Sullinger and Brandon Bass have played at the center position before. But at 6’9” and 6’8” respectively, they both would be playing out of position and facing mismatches every night.

Brooklyn Nets: Shooting Guard

Positional Depth Chart

1. Joe Johnson 2. Jason Terry
3. Alan Anderson


The Lowdown

The Brooklyn Nets had one of the most productive summers in the league. However, that doesn’t mean the team is immune from having a weak spot.

It just might be at shooting guard.

Sure, Joe Johnson may be one of the top clutch performers in the league. But entering his 13th season in the league, the 32-year-old is on the decline.

Just take a look at his stat line last year.

Over 72 games, he put together some of his lowest per-game totals in some time. His 16.3 points were his least since 2003-04, his 3.5 assists and 42.3 field-goal percent were his lowest since 2002-03, and his 3.1 rebounds were his fewest since his rookie season.

Behind him, it doesn’t get much better.

Jason Terry turns 36 before the regular season and is coming off a woeful stint with the Boston Celtics. Then there’s another 30-year-old in Alan Anderson, who is just a career 39.5 percent shooter from the field.

The Nets will be a good team, but the shooting guard position might hurt them a bit.

Charlotte Bobcats: Small Forward

Positional Depth Chart

1. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist 2. Jeff Adrien


The Lowdown

The Charlotte Bobcats have won just 28 games over the last two seasons. To put that into perspective, the Miami Heat won 27 in a little under two months last year.

Needless to say, the Bobcats have some work to do.

Re-signing Gerald Henderson and bringing in Al Jefferson will help the team’s cause. However, Charlotte will hurt the most at small forward.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist’s rookie campaign was somewhat lackluster, especially given that he was drafted second overall by the team during the draft. The 19-year-old averaged nine points and 5.8 rebounds over 26 minutes per game.

He has the potential to evolve into a starting-caliber forward in the league but is still raw. He also needs to work on his outside shooting (he averaged 2-of-9 last year per game) to give the Bobcats some kick on the wing.

After Kidd-Gilchrist, the team only has Jeff Adrien on the depth chart. But with a career average of 3.5 points and 3.3 rebounds over 11.7 minutes per game, he's nothing to get excited about.

Expect the position to be a season-long worry for Charlotte.

Chicago Bulls: Center

Positional Depth Chart

1. Joakim Noah 2. Nazr Mohammed


The Lowdown

Ironically enough, the Chicago Bulls' weakest position is one that is shared by one of their strongest starters. That position is center.

Although Joakim Noah is one of the top centers in the league, his health has recently come under fire.

He has had a bad history with plantar fasciitis. It has caused him to miss several games over the past year including 12 of the Bulls’ final 15 regular-season contests.

If the injury acts up this year, Chicago only has 35-year-old Nazr Mohammed on the roster to back up Noah.

In 63 games last season, the 15-year veteran averaged just 2.6 points and 3.1 rebounds over 11 minutes a night. He also shot just 36.7 percent from the field.

Over 12 starts, he was decent, averaging 7.3 points and 7.8 minutes per game. However, at his age, the Bulls would be gambling by depending on him as a durable backup.

Cleveland Cavaliers: Small Forward

Positional Depth Chart

1. Earl Clark 2. Alonzo Gee
3. Sergey Karasev


The Lowdown

The additions of Andrew Bynum and No. 1 overall pick Anthony Bennett will make the Cleveland Cavaliers a serious threat to make the playoffs in 2013-14. The same can’t be said about the addition of Earl Clark.

However, it was a necessary step to boost the team’s lack of production at small forward.

Last season, Alonzo Gee took on the starting role at the position for the Cavaliers. He averaged 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists over 31 minutes per game. He also shot just 41 percent from the field, ranking 21st out of 23 among small forwards in shooting percentage.

Clark’s addition will help in that aspect, but the benefits will be minimal. What else would you expect from a stat line of 7.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per game?

Not to mention, both Clark and Gee are below-average three-point shooters.

Cleveland also drafted 19-year-old Sergey Karasev from Russia. He promises to be a better three-point shooter than the others. However, it’s unknown whether the rest of his game will be NBA ready.

Dallas Mavericks: Center

Positional Depth Chart

1. Samuel Dalembert 2. Bernard James


The Lowdown

The Dallas Mavericks were dead set on picking up Dwight Howard during free agency. Instead, they settled for Samuel Dalembert.

Talent wise, it’s a huge drop-off.

Last season, Dalembert averaged 6.7 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.1 blocks over 16.3 minutes per game with the Milwaukee Bucks. Although that adds up to an impressive per-36 minutes mark, the 32-year-old has finished with a double-double average just once in his 11-year career.

Sure, he’ll give the Mavericks an imposing figure inside the paint on defense. But offensively, the team shouldn’t expect much out of him.

Brandan Wright spent the majority of his time at center last year, averaging 8.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.2 blocks over 18 minutes per game. However, Dallas currently has him listed on the depth chart as the backup to Dirk Nowitzki at power forward.

Even still, in 13 starts at center in 2012-13, Wright averaged just 4.2 rebounds per game. That’s not exactly the contribution the Mavericks want from their starting center.

Then there’s Bernard James, who averaged just 2.8 points and 2.8 rebounds last season. His game still doesn’t seem ready for the NBA quite yet.

To put it bluntly: Dallas went from dreams of Dwight Howard to an absolute mess inside the paint.

Denver Nuggets: Shooting Guard

Positional Depth Chart

1. Evan Fournier 2. Randy Foye
3. Quincy Miller


The Lowdown

Losing Andre Iguodala would hurt just about any team. For the Denver Nuggets, it left them crippled at the shooting guard position.

Now, the Nuggets have to rely on two guys better suited for backup roles.

Evan Fournier is a second-year player with a lot of promise. In 38 contests last season, the 20-year-old averaged 5.3 points and 1.2 assists over 11.3 minutes per game. He also proved to be effective from the field, shooting 49.3 percent from the field and 40.7 percent from three-point range.

However, his game is still raw, and throwing him into the spotlight could derail any progress he has made.

On the other hand, Randy Foye brings a lot more experience but not as much talent. The 29-year-old averaged 10.8 points and 2.1 assists over 27.4 minutes per game as the starting guard for the Utah Jazz. He also had a player efficiency rating of just 11.8.

Throw in an unproductive Quincy Miller, and Denver has three guards who just aren’t ready to start in the NBA.

Detroit Pistons: Shooting Guard

Positional Depth Chart

1. Chauncey Billups 2. Rodney Stuckey
3. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope


The Lowdown

Chauncey Billups led the Detroit Pistons to great success including an NBA championship in 2004. However, that was almost a decade ago.

Now, Billups is set to turn 37 before the start of the regular season and is entering his 17th season in the league.

The five-time All-Star’s decline in skill was obvious, as he averaged just 8.4 points, 2.2 assists and 1.5 rebounds over 19 minutes per game with the Los Angeles Clippers last year. He also shot 40.2 percent from the field and 36.7 percent from beyond the arc.

While he still has a little pep to his step, he seems better suited coming off the bench rather than starting at this point in his career.

Other than Billups, the Pistons have former starter Rodney Stuckey. However, after a poor start to last season, the 27-year-old was quickly demoted to the bench. He averaged 11.5 points, 3.6 assists and 2.8 rebounds over 28.6 minutes.

Once seen as a building block to Detroit’s future, he is no longer held in such regard by the front office.

Unfortunately, with the loss of Brandon Knight, the Pistons have no other shooting guard to take his place.

Golden State Warriors: Center

Positional Depth Chart

1. Andrew Bogut 2. Jermaine O'Neal
3. Festus Ezeli


The Lowdown

Before I go any further, let me start by saying that the Golden State Warriors have arguably the best starting five in the NBA. From top to bottom, the team is stacked. However, there has to be one position that is not as talented as the others.

For the Warriors, that’s center.

The team’s current starter at the position, Andrew Bogut, is coming off his worst statistical season. He averaged just 5.8 points and 7.7 rebounds over 24.6 minutes per game. His marks in points and minutes were career lows, while his rebounding rate was his worst since his rookie campaign.

Sure, Bogut suffered an injury-plagued season that kept him out of 50 games last year. However, it’s been somewhat of a routine for the former No. 1 pick, who has played in just 42 games over the past two seasons and appeared in 70 or more games just twice in his eight-year career.

When healthy, Bogut is one of the top centers in the league. But when he’s not, Golden State only has Jermaine O’Neal and Festus Ezeli to help back him up.

That’s just not going to cut it.

Houston Rockets: Power Forward

Positional Depth Chart

1. Greg Smith 2. Terrence Jones
3. Donatas Motiejunas


The Lowdown

By acquiring Dwight Howard over the offseason, the Houston Rockets brought in arguably the best center in the league. Add that to the contributions Omer Asik gave the team last year, and the Rockets are pretty much set at the 5.

Now, if only one of them played power forward.

Houston suffered at the position all season long. In fact, the team averaged 3.4 PER points less than opposing power forwards last year.

Sure, Asik could move down a spot and play alongside Howard. However, that same scenario was a disaster in Los Angeles with Paul Gasol and Howard on the court at the same time.

That just leaves the Rockets with Greg Smith, Terrence Jones and Donatas Motiejunas.

While all three players have potential to be solid contributors, all three are also 22 years old or younger. Not to mention, there’s only four years of league experience among them.

They don’t sound like the best guys to be battling it out for a starting spot on a title contender.

Indiana Pacers: Point Guard

Positional Depth Chart

1. George Hill 2. C.J. Watson


The Lowdown

It came as no surprise when the Indiana Pacers were within one game of reaching the NBA Finals last season. That’s because when everyone is healthy, the team boasts one of the best starting lineups in the league.

However, if you had to select a weak link for the Pacers, it would be at point guard.

George Hill put together a solid campaign in 2012-13, averaging 14.2 points, 4.7 assists and 3.7 rebounds over 34.5 minutes per game. He also shot 44.3 percent from the field and 36.8 percent from downtown.

But after Hill, Indiana is short of proficient point guards.

C.J. Watson offers a mediocre backup, averaging 6.8 points and 2.1 assists per game last year. Other than that, the team has several scraps brought in mainly to fill up the roster.

Regardless, as long as Hill can remain healthy, the Pacers should be fine in 2013-14.

Los Angeles Clippers: Center

Positional Depth Chart

1. DeAndre Jordan 2. Ryan Hollins
3. Byron Mullens


The Lowdown

The Los Angeles Clippers took a gigantic leap toward being title contenders next season by re-signing Chris Paul and bringing in coach Doc Rivers and J.J. Redick.

However, the top of the lineup might give the team some issues in 2013-14.

Starter DeAndre Jordan gained a whole lot of buzz after his vicious dunk over Brandon Knight last year. But his play didn’t garner nearly as much.

In 82 contests, the 25-year-old center averaged 8.8 points and 7.2 rebounds over 24.5 minutes per game. That's not a bad stat line but not one you’d write home about either.

But the biggest knock against him is his inability to play 30 or more minutes a night. That means the Clippers will have to rely on journeyman Ryan Hollins and Byron Mullens a lot this season.

Hollins has played on six different teams already. His career average of four points and 2.3 rebounds per game could be a good reason for that. His game just isn’t something Los Angeles can count on for consistency.

Then there’s Mullens.

Sure, he averaged 10.6 points per game with the Charlotte Bobcats last year. But he did so while shooting just 38.5 percent from the field.

The Clippers better hope they can get more out of Jordan this time around.

Los Angeles Lakers: Small Forward

Positional Depth Chart

1. Nick Young 2. Wesley Johnson
3. Elias Harris

The Lowdown

Dwight Howard left the Los Angeles Lakers at the right time. With Kobe Bryant hobbling and Steve Nash pushing 40, the team is a mess right now.

Believe it or not, the Lakers’ small forward situation is even worse.

Once Bryant is back in the lineup, free-agent pickup Nick Young looks set to start at the 3. But while he has shown potential as a scorer—he has averaged 16 or more points per game twice in his career—he has gained a reputation as a bad shooter.

With the Philadelphia 76ers last season, he averaged 9.2 field-goal attempts in just 23.9 minutes per game. He only connected on 41.3 percent of those attempts.

Behind him, there’s Wesley Johnson and rookie Elias Harris.

The 26-year-old Johnson averaged just eight points and 2.5 rebounds over 19.1 minutes with the Phoenix Suns. Not to mention, he also shot just 40.1 percent from the floor. 

They're not the three most reliable guys a team can count on.

Memphis Grizzlies: Small Forward

Positional Depth Chart

1. Tayshaun Prince 2. Quincy Pondexter


The Lowdown

With Tayshaun Prince leading the charge at small forward, the Memphis Grizzlies are in trouble.

At 33, the 11-year veteran is a shell of his former self—so much so that he put together one of the worst statistical seasons of his career. He registered his second-lowest per-game totals in points (8.8), rebounds (4.2), assists (2.3), minutes (31.7) and field-goal percentage (42.9).

After him, it doesn’t get much better.

Quincy Pondexter is a former first-round selection whose teams had high hopes for him. However, he’s never lived up to them, averaging 4.4 points and 1.8 rebounds per game over his three-year career.

Donte Green was also on the depth chart. But if he failed to contribute too much as a starter for the Sacramento Kings—8.5 points and 3.1 rebounds per game in 2009-10—what makes the Grizzlies so sure he could be a reliable backup? As a result, they shipped him off to the Boston Celtics for Fab Melo, via ESPN Boston's Chris Forsberg.

It just made an already weak position weaker. 

Miami Heat: Power Forward

Positional Depth Chart

1. Udonis Haslem 2. Rashard Lewis
3. Jarvis Varnado


The Lowdown

The Miami Heat may be two-time NBA champions; however, the power forward position didn’t help the team get there.

According to HoopsStats.com, the Heat ranked in the bottom two of the league in several categories among power forwards including points (29th), rebounds (30th) and efficiency (30th).

Udonis Haslem is the biggest culprit.

The 33-year-old averaged just 3.9 points and 5.4 rebounds over 18.4 minutes per game while registering an embarrassing PER of 9.9. It’s only the latest signs of decline of the same guy who averaged 12 points and nine rebounds a game in 2007-08.

At 34, backup Rashard Lewis shouldn’t be expected to do any better. The 15-year veteran averaged just 5.2 points and 2.2 rebounds per game last season.

With Jarvis Varnado still many years away from being productive, the Heat should expect another poor performance from the power forward position.

Milwaukee Bucks: Power Forward

Positional Depth Chart

1. John Henson 2. Ekpe Udoh


The Lowdown

John Henson will be a big-time contributor for the Milwaukee Bucks in the future but just not right now.

In 63 contests last season, the 22-year-old averaged six points and 4.7 rebounds over 13.1 minutes per game. He also shot just 48.2 percent from the field.

He had a lot of bright spots during his rookie campaign, but he also had several moments that showed off his inexperience. He still needs a year or two under his belt before he can develop into a starting-caliber forward.

Then again, with just Ekpe Udoh remaining on the depth chart, the Bucks have no other choice but to throw Henson into the deep water.

Over four seasons in the league, Udoh has proved to be nothing more than a backup. He averaged 4.6 points and 3.5 rebounds per game in that span. Furthermore, he has struggled from the floor, only converting on 43.4 percent of his attempts.

In a couple of years, this position will grow to be one of Milwaukee’s strong suits. But as of now, it might be what holds the team back.

Minnesota Timberwolves: Small Forward

Positional Depth Chart

1. Chase Budinger 2. Corey Brewer
3. Shabazz Muhammad


The Lowdown

After losing Andrei Kirilenko to the Brooklyn Nets over the offseason, the Minnesota Timberwolves will have to settle for Chase Budinger at small forward.

Ouch.

In 23 games last year, he averaged 9.4 points and 3.1 rebounds over 22.1 minutes per night. He also shot just 41.4 percent from the field and 32.1 percent from three-point range. In addition, he dealt with a nagging knee injury that kept him out of 59 games last season.

Even if he’s healthy, the 25-year-old doesn’t come off as the best candidate for a starting role.

Corey Brewer offers the team another option. He averaged 12.1 points and 2.9 rebounds over 24.4 minutes per game with the Denver Nuggets last year. However, the 27-year-old only shot 29.6 percent from three-point range.

Rookie Shabazz Muhammad has the potential to contribute. But he has already drawn criticism for some of his poor decision-making. How is he going to handle a full NBA season?

Needless to say, the Timberwolves have a questionable bunch at small forward.

New Orleans Pelicans: Center

Positional Depth Chart

1. Jason Smith 2. Greg Stiemsma
3. Jeff Withey


The Lowdown

The New Orleans Pelicans made some huge additions to the roster by bringing in Tyreke Evans and Jrue Holiday.

However, the team is still lacking at center.

As it is, five-year veteran Jason Smith is set to open up the season at the position. He has averaged just 5.6 points and 3.6 rebounds over 17.2 minutes per game throughout his career. He also isn’t the most efficient big man, shooting just 47.3 percent from the floor.

Given that he hasn’t played more than 23 minutes per game in his career, the Pelicans will also have to rely on Greg Stiemsma and Jeff Withey at center.

Over two seasons with the Boston Celtics and the Minnesota Timberwolves, Stiemsma struggled to find his groove. He averaged 3.6 points and 3.3 rebounds over 15.1 minutes per game during that span.

Withey, a second-round pick in last year’s draft, doesn’t look to offer much more than a dependable backup, leaving New Orleans with a weakness at the position.

New York Knicks: Shooting Guard

Positional Depth Chart

1. Iman Shumpert 2. J.R. Smith
3. Tim Hardaway Jr.


The Lowdown

The New York Knicks had quite the year last season. The team recorded its most wins since 1996-97 and won its first playoff series since 1999-00.

If the Knicks hope to repeat that performance, they’re going to need to get a lot more out of their shooting guards.

According to HoopsStats.com, New York struggled to get production out of the position. The team ranked 29th in points (15.9 per game) and last in field-goal percentage (37.1).

Iman Shumpert isn’t helping the cause.

In 45 contests last year, the 23-year-old averaged 6.8 points and three rebounds over 22.1 minutes per game. Furthermore, he shot just 39.6 percent from the field while registering a lowly 11.7 PER.

Shumpert’s backup, reigning NBA Sixth Man of the Year J.R. Smith, offers far more production: 18.1 points per game. However, he seems to work more confidently coming off the bench.

Unless rookie Tim Hardaway Jr. can make an immediate splash, expect the Knicks’ struggles to continue at the position.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Center

Positional Depth Chart

1. Kendrick Perkins 2. Steven Adams
3. Hasheem Thabeet
4. Daniel Orton


The Lowdown

If it wasn’t for the Miami Heat’s Udonis Haslem, Oklahoma City Thunder center Kendrick Perkins would take the award for being the least productive starting big man in the NBA.

Hard to believe this was the same guy who helped the Boston Celtics win a title in 2008 and whose absence in the 2010 NBA Finals caused the Celtics to lose.

It’s mind-boggling.

In 78 contests with the Thunder last season, Perkins averaged 4.2 points and six rebounds over 25.1 minutes per game. He also shot just 45.7 percent from the field. Furthermore, among centers, he dwelled among the bottom of the rankings in both points (27th out of 29) and field-goal percentage (23rd out of 24).

But Oklahoma City also shared in the misery.

According to HoopsStats.com, the team finished in the bottom two in center production in several categories including points (29th), rebounding (28th) and efficiency (29th).

Given Perkins’ shortcomings, it doesn’t say much about backups Steven Adams, Hasheem Thabeet and Daniel Orton that none of them could unseat him.

Unfortunately for the Thunder, nothing should change in 2013-14.

Orlando Magic: Center

Positional Depth Chart

1. Nikola Vucevic 2. Kyle O'Quinn


The Lowdown

The Orlando Magic only have three players on the roster at 6’10” or taller. Out of that trio, only one player has started more than five games at center.

That’s a disaster waiting to happen.

For his part, Nikola Vucevic put together an impressive debut season with the Magic last season. He averaged 13.1 points, 11.9 rebounds and one block over 33.2 minutes per game. Did we mention he’s only 22?

Unfortunately, he is pretty much all Orlando has at center.

Kyle O’Quinn is sure to spend some time backing up the position. However, the 23-year-old is listed as a power forward—not center—on the team’s depth chart.

Regardless of where he’s situated on the court, O’Quinn hasn’t made much noise on the court. He only averaged 4.1 points and 3.7 rebounds per game last year.

Vucevic is more than capable of producing as a starter. However, if the Magic are careful, they’ll avoid overexerting their young center.

Philadelphia 76ers: Point Guard

Positional Depth Chart

1. Michael Carter-Williams

The Lowdown

Replacing Jrue Holiday hasn’t been an easy task for the Philadelphia 76ers—so much so that point guard is the team’s weakest position going into 2013-14.

That’s what happens when two rookies are entrusted with the starting position.

Drafted 11th overall by the 76ers, Michael Carter-Williams will aim to erase the memory of Holiday. He averaged 11.9 points, 7.3 assists and 2.8 steals over 35.2 minutes per game as a sophomore at Syracuse.

However, his game has some flaws. The 21-year-old only shot 39.3 percent from the field (29.2 from three-point range) and turned the ball over 3.4 times a night.

Those aren’t the characteristics that a rebuilding team like Philadelphia wants from its starting point guard.

The 76ers also can bring back unrestricted free agents Royal Ivey and Charles Jenkins. However, neither wowed last year.

Phoenix Suns: Small Forward

Positional Depth Chart

1. Caron Butler 2. Michael Beasley
3. P.J. Tucker


The Lowdown

The Phoenix Suns have a long list of problems they need to solve before they can be successful in the league again.

The list includes the small forward position.

There was a time when Caron Butler was one of the top small forwards in the NBA. Unfortunately, that time has come and gone.

Last season, he had the worst statistical season of his career. He registered his worst per-game marks in rebounds (2.9), assists (1.1), steals (0.7) and minutes (24.1). His scoring output (10.4 points per game) was also the second lowest in his 11 years in the league.

Backup Michael Beasley is in the same boat.

He too is coming off his worst year in the league. With lows in points (10.1) and rebounds (3.3), the 24-year-old also shot at a career-worst 40.5 percent—a significant drop from his previous low of 44.5 percent.

With just the ineffective P.J. Tucker left on the depth chart, the Suns should expect a season full of issues from this position.

Portland Trail Blazers: Center

Positional Depth Chart

1. Robin Lopez 2. Meyers Leonard
3. Joel Freeland


The Lowdown

The Portland Trail Blazers are headed in the right direction. A low playoff seed might even be in the team’s near future.

However, they would only help their cause by upgrading at center.

In 82 games with the New Orleans Hornets last season, Robin Lopez put together a solid stat line. He averaged 11.3 points and blocked 1.6 shots over 26 minutes per game. The only downside is his rebounding ability—he only averaged 5.6 per game.

Last year, Portland only averaged 40.6 boards a night, which ranked the team 24th in the league.

Having a rebounder down low is vital to a team’s success.

Behind Lopez, the Trail Blazers also have Meyers Leonard and Joel Freeland on the depth chart. But neither player seems to be of much use in the department.

Portland can be good this year; however, it all relies on just how well the team can rebound.

Sacramento Kings: Small Forward

Positional Depth Chart

1. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute 2. John Salmons
3. Travis Outlaw


The Lowdown

The Sacramento Kings have been stuck in rebuilding mode for what feels like an eternity. Bad front-office decisions and poor head coaching can mainly be blamed.

However, if they disappoint again this season, poor production from small forward might be the culprit.

As it stands, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute is slotted to start. That only suggests how desperate Sacramento is at the position.

In 58 games for the Milwaukee Bucks last year—including 45 starts—he averaged just 6.7 points and 4.4 rebounds over 22.9 minutes per game. To make matters worse, he shot 40.1 percent from the floor.

Are John Salmons and Travis Outlaw so bad that they can’t supplant this guy?

Given their poor production, the answer might be yes. Salmons averaged just 8.8 points per game on 39.9 percent shooting, while Outlaw netted 5.3 points per game on 41.8 percent shooting.

Both a new owner and head coach should help out the Kings. But they’ll need more than that to figure out the dilemma at small forward.

San Antonio Spurs: Center

Positional Depth Chart

1. Tiago Splitter 2. Boris Diaw
3. Aron Baynes


The Lowdown

The San Antonio Spurs were seconds away from the NBA title last season. If the team wants to get that close again, the Spurs will need to make some adjustments at center.

Tiago Splitter just isn’t going to cut it.

During the regular season, he averaged 10.3 points and 6.4 rebounds over 24.7 minutes per game. He also shot 56 percent from the field.

However, the playoffs weren’t as kind to the 28-year-old.

In 19 postseason contests, he averaged 6.1 points and 3.1 rebounds over 20.4 minutes. He struggled even more against the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals, with 4.9 points and two rebounds per game on 44.8 percent shooting.

He still has several holes in his game that prevent him from being a starting-caliber center.

Unfortunately, Boris Diaw and Aron Baynes don’t give the Spurs much say in the matter.

Toronto Raptors: Center

Positional Depth Chart

1. Jonas Valanciunas 2. Aaron Gray


The Lowdown

With a new GM, the Toronto Raptors are headed back to the drawing board. That means a lot of rebuilding is in the team’s near future.

The Raptors should begin by looking at their depth—or lack thereof—at center.

Currently, Jonas Valanciunas holds down the position. For a 21-year-old, he’s already shown tremendous potential.

Last season, he averaged 8.9 points, six rebounds and 1.3 blocks over 23.9 minutes per game. He also shot 55.7 percent from the field.

But in the NBA, depth is everything.

After Valanciunas, Toronto only has Aaron Gray as a backup. In seven years in the league, the 28-year-old hasn’t averaged more than 4.3 points per game. Even in 16 appearances as a starter, he fell short, averaging just five points and 5.4 rebounds per game.

In just his second season in the league, the Raptors can’t ask Valanciunas to put in 35 minutes a game. That means Gray will likely see a decent amount of playing time.

That could be an issue for Toronto.

Utah Jazz: Center

Positional Depth Chart

1. Enes Kanter 2. Andris Biedrins
3. Rudy Gobert


The Lowdown

The Utah Jazz made significant changes over the offseason, getting rid of both Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap. The moves left them thin in the frontcourt, especially at center.

After two years in the shadows, Enes Kanter will finally get his chance to shine.

In 70 contests with Utah, the 21-year-old averaged 7.2 points and 4.3 rebounds over 15.4 minutes per game. That includes per-game marks of 20.5 points and 15 rebounds in two starts.

However, he has displayed some signs of inexperience on the court. Specifically, his 1.4 turnovers per game in such a short time on the court is a bit worrisome.

Backup Andris Biedrins offers experience, but the same can’t be said as far as talent goes. He averaged just 0.5 points and 2.9 rebounds over 9.3 minutes per game with the Golden State Warriors last year.

Utah will hope to get something out of 7’1” rookie Rudy Gobert. But chances are, barring significant improvement from Kanter, the team will struggle at center.

Washington Wizards: Small Forward

Positional Depth Chart

1. Otto Porter 2. Trevor Ariza


The Lowdown

The Washington Wizards have made a habit out of picking in the top 10. In fact, for four straight seasons, the team has drafted in the top six.

Now, the Wizards hope No. 3 pick Otto Porter can lead the team at small forward.

He dominated during his sophomore year at Georgetown. The 20-year-old averaged 16.2 points and 7.5 rebounds over 35.4 minutes per game. He also shot 48 percent from the field and 42.2 percent beyond the arc.

However, even Bradley Beal and John Wall hit a few rough patches during their first seasons in the league. The same should hold true for Porter.

When the rookie trips up, Washington will have to rely on backup Trevor Ariza to pick up the pieces.

In 56 games last season, Ariza averaged 9.5 points and 4.8 rebounds over 26.3 minutes per night. He also shot just 41.7 percent from the floor.

As it stands, Ariza is perfectly suited for coming off the bench at this point in his career. The Wizards’ success at this position will come down to how Porter performs in his debut season.

The team could use his help.

Unless otherwise stated, all stats are courtesy of NBA.com's Media Central (subscription required)

For complete coverage and everything NBA, you can follow Sebastian on Facebook and on Twitter