NBA Free Agency 2017: 5 best centers available

Apr 12, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Nerlens Noel (3) brings the ball up court against Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) during the second half at FedExForum. Dallas Mavericks defeats Memphis Grizzlies 100-93. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Nerlens Noel (3) brings the ball up court against Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) during the second half at FedExForum. Dallas Mavericks defeats Memphis Grizzlies 100-93. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
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Warriors
May 16, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Dewayne Dedmon (3) kicks the ball on a pass attempt from Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) to forward Kevin Durant (35) during the first quarter in game two of the Western Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Dewayne Dedmon

With Pau Gasol and LaMarcus Aldridge as questionable interior defenders, the Spurs added Dedmon last year to shore things up. He’s crazy athletic and was the rim protector that San Antonio needed.

The Spurs defensive rating when Dedmon was on the court was 97.5 versus 102.7 when Dedmon was on the bench. Pairing Dedmon and Kawhi Leonard on the floor is Popovich’s defensive haymaker. Dedmon wreaks havoc in the paint while Kawhi tortures the perimeter players.

Although his defense is fantastic, his offense is in need of a tune-up. His crazy athleticism allows him to be a threat for catching lobs and gobbling rebounds, but if he’s more than a few feet out from the basket, make him shoot a jump shot. He will more than likely miss.

Dedmon is a great pickup for any team because of what he brings on the defensive side of the ball. He’s not a threat on offense, but he will always be looming for a rebound or a dunk.