The Sixer Sense
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Philadelphia 76ers: Where Joel Embiid ranks among all starting centers

By Christopher Kline

Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans | Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans | Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

30. Mohamed Bamba, Orlando Magic

Nikola Vucevic might still be the favorite to start on opening night, but the Magic seem committed to building around Mohamed Bamba. That means giving him immediate playing time, something that should eventually lead to starting minutes.

His shot blocking upside is undeniable, but a thin frame and limited offensive arsenal will limit Bamba’s impact in year one. Which is fine.

29. Bismack Biyombo, Charlotte Hornets

Biyombo is back in Charlotte, giving them a hard-nosed defensive presence in the paint. He’s wildly overpaid and overwhelmingly average, but the Hornets don’t have a ton of intriguing options at this point. Cody Zeller and Frank Kaminsky are the only other competitors for the job.

28. Pau Gasol, San Antonio Spurs

Gasol is reaching the tail end of his career, with his effectiveness — especially on defense — starting to fall off. Nonetheless, he’s expected to join LaMarcus Aldridge in the Spurs’ starting lineup once again. With DeMar DeRozan on board, his floor spacing will be important.