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

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 Mateusz Wlodarczyk/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
(Photo by Mateusz Wlodarczyk/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

27. JaVale McGee, Los Angeles Lakers

McGee is probably better than he gets credit for. While not elite by any means, his length and athleticism allows him to impact plays on defense. He’s also a prime lob target, something that should bode well next to LeBron James in L.A.

The Lakers will run a lot of small ball next season, but McGee can provide real value in the starting lineup if utilized correctly.

26. Wendell Carter Jr., Chicago Bulls

Carter might be the most NBA-ready rookie outside Luka Doncic and Deandre Ayton. He’s a do-it-all big who might end up being Chicago’s best young prospect, offering defensive upside and ample skill on offense.

His shooting, passing, footwork and high basketball I.Q. are all promising traits given his age and physical stature. Expect Carter to turn some heads in his rookie campaign.

25. Marcin Gortat, Los Angeles Clippers

Gortat wore out his welcome in Washington, with John Wall publicly bashing the Polish Hammer at times last season. Now the aging veteran moves to L.A., where he’ll be tasked with providing some interior scoring and a hard-nosed defensive presence.