With Dwight Howard out, U.S Olympic team on the hunt of a starting Center – NBA Feature
With Dwight Howard having undergone a season ending surgery to his back, the center position in the American Olympic team is now vacant and the sporting showcase is only a few months away.
Howard’s exit from Olympic contention has started a hot discussion in American basketball, as to who will be picked to take his place.
The first choice that comes to mind is Tyson Chandler. The 7 feet 1 inch 240 pound center of the New York Knicks is an ideal pick for the team because he is a defense oriented center. Chandler is a great rebounder and shot blocker, who grinds hard on the low post on every possession. Tyson is averaging 11.3 points and 10 rebounds per game this season for the Knicks. He also manages 1.4 blocks per game, making him dangerous on the defensive end.
With explosive players such as LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant, the U.S team needs a strong center who can post up on the offense, while at the same time take rebounds and box opponents out on the defense. Chandler is also famous for setting screens for his perimeter shooters in the Knicks roster.
The second obvious choice is the Los Angeles Lakers Center Andrew Bynum. The Lakers big is 7 feet and 285 pounds, and playing in his 7th NBA season. This season has been his most successful, with his statistics up from his career figures. Bynum is averaging 18.9 points and 11.9 rebounds per game this season. He also manages 1.9 blocks per game on average. Over the past few weeks, Bynum has risen as a key player in the Lakers squad and is one of the reasons behind the Lakers resurgence this season. He is strong below the rim, and has a great rebounding ability. His size gives him a natural advantage over other centers in post-ups and box-outs.
One of the names being circulated in the news for the position is probable 1st overall pick in the NBA draft of 2012, Anthony Davis. Davis was on the Kentucky team that won the NCAA championship this year and many are calling for him to be added to the Olympic team. At 19, Davis is too young and does not have the experience to play at an Olympic level with players such as LeBron and Kobe. Moreover, his size is currently is a disadvantage for him, as he is too skinny to successfully block out opponents.
Another good option to be considered while deciding the center starter is Roy Hibbert of the Indiana Pacers. At 7 feet 2 inches and 260 pounds, Hibbert is also a dominant force in the center position. He has been a key component of Indiana’s 3rd best record in the Eastern Conference this season. Hibbert is averaging 13 points and 8.9 rebounds per game this season, to go with a phenomenal 2 blocked shots per game on average. Hibbert is a good option if the team requires a center who can contribute both offensively and defensively.
There is still plenty of talent in the league to replace Howard at the center position. However, the team coaches need to decide what strategy they are going with and what type of a center do they need with the starting four they will select. It could be anyone from Hibbert, Chandler and Bynum. But the voting is tilted towards Chandler at the moment owing to his experience.
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