What Does our Center of the Future Look Like?

[Sophomore]

2018 draft, loaded with bigs, got me to thinking: What is the future center for our team look like? The guy who will replace Al Horford in 2-3 years.

Is he going to be like Al, a guy who can serve as a play maker from the top of the key, switch between power forward and center, hit 3's?  If so, who coming out fits this profile? Porter? Bagley? Anthony Davis?

Are we looking for a defensive specialist, shot blocker, rebounder, who can handle guys like GF, Embiid, Towns, Porzingis?  Someone like Bamba?  Ayton?

Or are we looking for a smaller, more versatile center in the model of Green for the Warriors?  Who fits that model? Do we still have hope that Yabusele can fulfill that role in 2-3 years?  Someone else?

I could see our team going in any number of directions here, and a lot will depend on opportunity.

What do you think?

My primary thought is that Horford has 5 years left as the top big on a team before he needs replacing than 2-3.  The follow up to that thought is that accordingly, there’s no reason that player, should he be found internally or through the draft process, needs to be already in the league or in this upcoming draft.

You are the cap guy, saltlover. Aren't we losing Horford at the end of his current contract? Kyrie and Hayward will both be on the books for the max. Can't see affording Horford for four more years - have to get ready to pay Brown (probably) and Tatum (very likely). I'd be thrilled to keep Al around, but I assume somebody will offer him 4 years over 20 million per year if he's still playing well. If we can actually plug a rookie contract guy in as our best big when we have to let Al go - somebody with top shelf talent - isn't that our best shot at keeping the team a contender?

[Sophomore]

7’1” with a 7’6” wingspan and a chiseled 260 lbs frame.

How is he as a perimeter defender? Are the Warriors and Wizards going to make us sit him at crunch time?

[gouki88]

7’1” with a 7’6” wingspan and a chiseled 260 lbs frame.

How is he as a perimeter defender? Are the Warriors and Wizards going to make us sit him at crunch time?

He's definitely good enough to defend Draymond, considering he isn't a very threatening shooter from range - especially when Ayton has the length, reflexes and hops to react to the shot. If anything, he'll create the bigger matchup problem.

They have nobody who can guard Ayton, especially when he's 22-23. Aging Draymond would be torn to shreds. Zaza will likely be retired, or even more useless than he is now. Ayton would only help us against the Warriors

[Sophomore]

7’1” with a 7’6” wingspan and a chiseled 260 lbs frame.

How is he as a perimeter defender? Are the Warriors and Wizards going to make us sit him at crunch time?

He's definitely good enough to defend Draymond, considering he isn't a very threatening shooter from range - especially when Ayton has the length, reflexes and hops to react to the shot. If anything, he'll create the bigger matchup problem.

They have nobody who can guard Ayton, especially when he's 22-23. Aging Draymond would be torn to shreds. Zaza will likely be retired, or even more useless than he is now. Ayton would only help us against the Warriors

I like the sound of all that!

[Erik]

Ayton is starting to look like a generational talent, but since he's the favorite for #1, its hard to see a path to getting him..

I find it hard to believe that a real lottery team that needs best available player with no specific needs would pass on Doncic at 1. He's the real generational talent.