Pick a center...

[LogGrad98]

Which of these Jazz Great centers would you pick to anchor your team? Rules are, you have to pick a Jazz center from now or in their entire history, or you get no center on your team. So who would you choose?

This list is from a cursory glance at wikipedia and my memory, so I probably left off someone better than these guys, you never know.

 

[The Fresh Prince]

Okur would've been a mast weapon in the 96-97, 97-98 finals.

 

[gregbroncs]

I chose Eaton.

 

[CAKAR]

AL

 

[gregbroncs]

Okur would've been a mast weapon in the 96-97, 97-98 finals.

In the finals yes. But I'm not sure we make it that far with him instead of TAG.

 

[Ron Mexico]

For a current championship run on a dream team, the current team, for building a future contending team or something else?

 

[Hotdog]

I think it's easy. It's Gobert.

Gobert on any if our old teams would be a lot better

 

[Stifle Tower]

Depends on the era and the players around him.
IF Rudy keeps improving, I'd pick Gobert...as long as Utah can surround him with scorers. Back in the 80's, I'd take Eaton. The game was more physical and players were allowed to push, shove and gouge each other down low (just look at pics of Malone's arms during the season). I think many - because of their youth - just don't remember how dominant defensively Eaton was. Jazz defense was designed to funnel players inside where they would get knocked to the court by Eaton. Mark is 4th all-time in blocks, behind Hakeem, Dikembe and Kareem. And as some have already noted, pairing Okur with a physical PF like Malone would be amazing.

 

[Kyoto]

Eaton of course. Defense wins championships.

 

[CAKAR]

lol, at people choosing Gobard. Gobard is poor mans Eaton who blocked 3.5 shots in his rookie season by playing 18 minutes per game. And everyone who is not choosing AL on this poll, has no clue about Basketball. AL, Malone and Stock would be the best trio the NBA has ever seen.

 

[Kyoto]

lol, at people choosing Gobard. Gobard is poor mans Eaton who blocked 3.5 shots in his rookie season by playing 18 minutes per game. And everyone who is not choosing AL on this poll, has no clue about Basketball. AL, Malone and Stock would be the best trio the NBA has ever seen.

I for one am shocked you wanted Al

 

[spycam1]

I'd go with Eaton, but I think Gobert could (and hopefully will) become even better than him one day.

 

[The Blue Elephant]

Well... none of these centers really were gamechangers. They were good complimentary or borderline all-stars at best. I have to go with potential in this situation.

 

[addictionary]

Rudy, mostly because it's hard to find the type of speed that he has when he rises up for a block or rebound at his height level. Not too much weight so less likely to get injured compared to ones that are heavier. He should have a bright career. And when he picks and rolls, it will be a different story. Appreciate the effort at the line.

 

[freakazoid]

Posted this in another thread, but it's worth posting many times over.

"That was the toughest (game I've played) this season. That guy Gobert. Wow, insane. He just didn't let up. Like a shadow. Honestly, I'm glad it's over and we move on to the next one"
Dwight Howard after Gobert held him to just 8 points

"Gobert was a machine. Serge said in the locker room that he couldn't believe some of the blocks that kid made...and that's coming from the best in the league at it. He's a wall inside."
Scott Brooks after Gobert's 7 block game against OKC

-
Jazzfanz used to dream of Favors becoming the next Dwight Howard, but instead we got the guy Dwight sees in his nightmares. AND we still have a terrific two-way player in Favors next to him. Add two more nicknames to Rudy's list: The Wall and The Shadow.

 

[Stifle Tower]

Jazzfanz used to dream of Favors becoming the next Dwight Howard, but instead we got the guy Dwight sees in his nightmares. AND we still have a terrific two-way player in Favors next to him. Add two more nicknames to Rudy's list: The Wall and The Shadow.

And Favors always insisted he was a PF. I think he's right.

 

[fishonjazz]

Well... none of these centers really were gamechangers. They were good complimentary or borderline all-stars at best. I have to go with potential in this situation.

We had a center named potential?

 

[fishonjazz]

Eaton.
Gobert and memo close seconds

 

[QuinSnydersHair]

I chose Eaton.

Me too.

 

[framer]

Do we get them in the shape they played for the Jazz or can we get them in their prime, because if we can get them in their prime, Chocolate Thunder would certainly not suck. . .