Orlando Magic Daily
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NBA Position Rankings: Top 10 centers in the NBA

By Spencer R. Henderson

Apr 6, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) drives to the net past Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) during the first quarter of a basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) drives to the net past Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) during the first quarter of a basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 24, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) warms up before playing against the Golden State Warriors in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) warms up before playing against the Golden State Warriors in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Dwight Howard

Remember the year 2009 when Dwight Howard had Magic on his chest and was unquestionably the best center in the NBA? It was like magic because back then you saw it, now you do not.

Those days are way behind the veteran as he enters his 13th season. Although Howard never really developed an offensive game in Orlando like Nikola Vucevic, he is still one of the most valuable centers in the NBA. That value is attributed to his ability to play effective defense.

Although Howard is slowly declining, he averaged a double-double last year with 13.7 points per game and 11.8 rebounds per game. His usage rate has went down tremendously from his time in Orlando.

Howard is in the same boat as Jordan and Drummond, the only difference is these guys are a lot younger than Howard.  Howard is on the decline and these guys are still rising.

Although the decline is clear, the former NBA All Star is looking forward to new beginnings this year with the Atlanta Hawks. Teaming up with power forward Paul Milsap may help him get close to where he was after leaving Orlando.

The Hawks organization is betting a new surrounding will allow him to focus on basketball and eliminate the clutter associated with his name.

If Howard can stay healthy for the season and channel his play from the days he wore a Magic uniform, the Hawks could be back in the top of the Eastern Conference once again.

Next: Hammer time