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

15. Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers

Turner didn’t make the leap that most expected last season, but he remains an effective two-way piece for a competitive Pacers team. His shot blocking anchors a solid defensive unit, while his three-point improvement will keep him relevant in the ever-changing NBA. His numbers did a take slight dip last season, though.

14. Jusuf Nurkic, Portland Trail Blazers

Nurkic quietly put together an elite defensive season, earning some fringe Defensive Player of the Year consideration as a result. His tough, physical presence has lifted Portland to new heights on that end, while his offensive contributions didn’t go unnoticed.

After spending some time behind Jokic in Denver, the Blazers gave Nurkic a chance to embrace his skill set in a starting role. It paid off with a four-year contract extension this summer. 

13. Enes Kanter, New York Knicks

Kanter will once again lead the Knicks’ frontcourt in Kristaps Porzingis‘ absence, potentially looking at an expanded role under David Fizdale. As long as the Zinger is out, Kanter is a prime candidate to lead the team in scoring. His post-up prowess, while somewhat outdated, remains effective.