Tier 1: Lottery Picks
Noel's knee injury is a concern, but not one that should cause him to drop out of the top 3 picks. To me, there isn't much to worry about as far as the weight, he's only 19 and is rehabbing his knee; a couple of months in an NBA weight room and he'll be good to go. What Noel offers is a potential defensive player of the year candidate who can guard inside and out, block shots, rebound, and create turnovers, much like a Joakim Noah or Larry Sanders.
2. Alex Len, Maryland So. (7-1, 255)
Len is currently rehabbing a foot injury, so he won't be able to work out, which could cause him to drop a few spots, but not out of the top ten. It's very hard to find the combination of size, length, skill, and athleticism the Len offers. Big men the you can run an offense through, both I the high and low post don't grow on trees, especially those who can also be good defensive players.
3. Rudy Gobert, France (7-2, 238)
Rudy Gobert won the measurement portion of the Combine with a 7-8.5 wingspan and a 9-7 stand reach, both basically unrivaled numbers. While his vertical numbers weren't as impressive, with that length it doesn't really matter. Gobert can be a monster defensively, he compares favorably to Larry Sanders, whom has a lesser wingspan, reach, and vertical and is one of the best defensive centers in the league.
Tier 2: Mid-to-Late First Round
4. Gorgui Dieng, Louisville Sr. (6-11, 230)
If you're looking for a rock solid backup center, look no further than Gorgui Dieng. He's got all that you look for from that position and should be a contributor as a backup right away. Dieng is a very good defensive player, a prolific shot-blocker and great help defender who can also rebound and guard in the pick-and-roll. Dieng can also knock down a mid-range jumper and is a good passer. What's holding him back is a lack of upside at 23 years old.
5. Mason Plumlee, Duke Sr. (7-1, 238)
Mason Plumlee should have a long career as NBA big man because of his rebounding and post defense. Plumlee isn't particularly long, but he is an explosive leaper who can really rise up for rebounds, both on the offensive and defensive end. He also runs the floor hard and can defend one-on-one in the post. He's also 23, lacks upside, isn't a great shot-blocker and really struggles to defend on the perimeter. Plumlee is a safe pick to contribute on an NBA team however.
6. Steven Adams, Pittsburgh Fr. (7-0, 255)
Adan's blew up the combine by measuring great (7-4.5 wingspan, huge hands), doing very well in interviews, and performing much better than expected in the drills. However, that's not enough in my mind to erase a year of tape. As a Freshman, Adams rebounded very well, especially on the offensive end and played good, tough defense. On offense however, he really struggled, not showing much skill, and most troubling really struggling to finish close to the rim. Adam should still be a solid backup because of his defensive ability, and the upside is there, however the lottery is too rich for my blood.
7. Lucas Nogeria, Brazil (6-11, 218)
Lucas Nogeria compares physically to Nerlens Noel: long, athletic, mobile, but also with an under-developed frame. However, Nogeria is two years older, and not the same natural defender as Noel, nor is he as fluid or have as high of a motor. Still, Nogeria has a lot of upside and if teams can be patient, the reward could be huge.
8. Jeff Withey, Kansas Sr. (7-1, 222)
At 23, it's unlikely that Jeff Withey will become anything more than he already is, but luckily for him, Withey has a skill that will make him money in the NBA: shotblocking. Withey has tremendous timing and instincts to go with the kind of size and length that makes him and elite rim protector. Withey is also a good rebounder and should make a solid back-up center.
Second Round Picks
9. Mike Muscala, Bucknell Sr. (7-0, 230)
Of this group of centers, Muscala may be the most skilled. He can really shoot the ball and can also score in the post. The main concern with Muscala is that he isn't a great athlete and may be maxed out physically and already struggles with bigger, physical defenders.
10. DeWayne Dedmon, USC Sr. (7-0, 239)
Physically developed and athletic, Dedmon looks like a First Round pick but he is turning 24 and hasn't been nearly as productive as he should have been. However, as a back-up/third center he should be able to come in and contribute based purely on physical prowess.
11. Colton Iverson, Colorado State Sr. (7-0, 263)
The opposite of Dedmon in that he doesn't look like a First Round pick, yet he plays with a level of physicality and toughness that you just can't teach. I don't know if he'll ever play big minutes, but the as a third center who'll bring it every game and practice, he'll excell.
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