NBA Dallas Mavericks

Dallas Mavericks: Top 5 Centers in Team History

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By @DSchultz89

Dallas Mavericks: Top 5 Centers in Team History

Tyson Chandler Best Centers NBA Dallas Mavericks
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The Dallas Mavericks are a team that is more known for their guard play and possessing the most unique scorer in the history of the game in Dirk Nowitzki. However, the team has had a plethora of strong centers that have helped in the Mavs success in years past. Here are the top five centers in the history of the Dallas Mavericks.

#5. Erick Dampier (2004-2010)

Erick Dampier NBA Dallas Mavericks
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#5. Erick Dampier (2004-2010)

Erick Dampier NBA Dallas Mavericks
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While mainly seen as a disappointment for not living up to his enormous contract, Dampier still proved to be a valuable role player for the Mavs during a good chunk of the 00's. He was never as aggressive on offense as he was with the Golden State Warriors before, but he was still a big body in the post that was usually tasked with guarding the opposition's best post player.

#4. Shawn Bradley (1996-2005)

Shawn Bradley NBA Dallas Mavericks
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#4. Shawn Bradley (1996-2005)

Shawn Bradley NBA Dallas Mavericks
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Bradley, one of the tallest players to ever play the game of basketball, was a solid center for the team for almost a decade. He was known mostly as being a great shotblocker thanks to his great height and length, but he was also a threat on offense. He was never the quickest player and he probably should have grabbed more rebounds given how tall he was, but Bradley's presence alone was a valuable asset to the Mavs.

#3. James Donaldson (1986-1992)

James Donaldson NBA Dallas Mavericks
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#3. James Donaldson (1986-1992)

James Donaldson NBA Dallas Mavericks
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Donaldson was a dependable double-double threat who shot a high percentage from the field and who also was a shot-blocking presence in the lane. Donaldson could have been more confident in the post but often elected to be the dirty work guy who got rebounds and played defense. He only had one injury plagued season and besides that, he pretty much suited up every game he played with the Mavs.

#2. Roy Tarpley (1986-1991, 1994-1995)

Roy Tarpley NBA Dallas Mavericks
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#2. Roy Tarpley (1986-1991, 1994-1995)

Roy Tarpley NBA Dallas Mavericks
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He was listed primarily as a power forward for the Mavs so I may be cheating here. However, the one season he was listed as center for the team ('94-'95) he was still incredibly effective despite being slightly undersized and older. He was another dirty-work kind of guy who rebounded the ball extremely well and also was a capable defender in the post who could get both steals and blocks.

#1. (2010-2011, 2014-present)

Tyson Chandler NBA Dallas Mavericks
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#1. (2010-2011, 2014-present)

Tyson Chandler NBA Dallas Mavericks
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There is a reason why the Mavs traded back for Tyson Chandler, because they realized he was a huge piece of their 2011 championship team. He is the best center in Mavericks' history because of his length, high field goal percentage, smart shot selection, and menacing defensive instincts. Quite simply, if Chandler can return to his old form, the Mavericks will be a threat in the Western Conference again this year.

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