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Three centers the Detroit Pistons could sign in Free Agency

By Ku Khahil

ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 13: Dewayne Dedmon #14 hi-fives John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks on March 13, 2019 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jasear Thompson/NBAE via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 13: Dewayne Dedmon #14 hi-fives John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks on March 13, 2019 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jasear Thompson/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 9: JaVale McGee #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers on April 9, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images) /

JaVale McGee

Remember the days of only being known for appearing daily on Shaqtin’ A Fool?

The days of trying to dunk from the free throw line mid-game and embarrassing yourself?

Yeah, well JaVale McGee may still have some of those moments. The only difference now is that his play on the court is just as good as his episodes on Shaqtin’.

The Los Angelas Lakers may have been a disaster this past season from the top down, but McGee had a career year in the midst of all the drama. McGee averaged a career-high 12.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks in only 22.3 minutes per game.

His per-36 numbers look like 19.3 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks per game.

McGee excelled as a roll man and rim protector (2K players would label him a Slashing Rim Protector), and greatly benefited from playing alongside

LeBron James

and

Lonzo Ball

. Both players are tremendous passers and Ball may be one of the best lob/dump-off passers there are.

In Detroit, McGee wouldn’t be playing with a player like James, but Griffin and Reggie Jackson are excellent lob passers as well. The seven-footer has arms that are longer than my body and is an absolute freak athlete, which allows him to block shots at a high level and catch lobs that shouldn’t be possible.

Believe it or not, McGee is now 31 years old and considered a veteran. He’s won championships with the Golden State Warriors over the years and would bring that championship pedigree to a team seeking it.

In heavy minutes McGee may not be as effective as he was this past season. This would not be a problem with the Detroit Pistons, of course, because of Drummond. Along with this, McGee plays hard and generally stays within his lane.

As mentioned earlier, McGee is 31 years old. After such a career year, McGee may be looking to cash in for the last time in his career. He hasn’t cashed in since signing a four year 44 million dollar contract in 2012 with the Denver Nuggets, so he’s probably looking to secure the bag.

dark. Next. Draft Prospect: Tyler Herro

I’m not sure he’s going to get the pay day he may be hoping for. If McGee happens to be affordable, I would have him at the top of my list for backup bigs.

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