Philadelphia 76ers: Ranking starting centers in 2021 preseason

25. Daniel Theis

Daniel Theis joined the Houston Rockets this offseason. He’s a bit undersized for the position, but he’s good at defending, rebound, passing, and can occasionally stretch the floor. Depending on how the season plays out, Theis could shift to the bench and the Rockets play smaller with Christian Wood at center, but for now, Theis makes sense to begin the year.

24. Khem Birch

After being buried on the Magic’s depth chart for the last couple of years, Khem Birch was traded to the Toronto Raptors this past season and shined. They didn’t bring anyone in free agency so he should continue to start this year. He’s a good defender and rebounder. He can set solid screens and roll to be basket, but is limited overall on that end of the court.

23. Al Horford

For the second time in his career, Al Horford will be joining the Boston Celtics during an offseason, only this time he was traded to the club. With Horford’s playmaking and 3-point shooting, he’s a natural fit with the Celtics young core. The question becomes can he still play at a high enough level on defense? If he can’t, then Robert Williams will supplant him as a starter.

22. Daniel Gafford

Originally I had Thomas Bryant representing the Washington Wizards on this list. However, per Andrew Gilis of NBCSWashington, Wizards general manager Tommy Sheppard indicated that Bryant won’t be ready to start the year. I believe Daniel Gafford will show out to begin the year and will hold off Bryant once he is healthy. Gafford has real two-way potential and will have a chance to realize it to begin the year.

21. Blake Griffin

This could change if the Brooklyn Nets land LaMarcus Aldridge via free agency. However, until that happens, Blake Griffin will probably be the starter for the Nets. He was their starter during the postseason and played well. He has a full offseason to get even healthier and should be a factor for Brooklyn this year.