KJG’s 2009 NBA Free Agent Preview: Centers

I choose to do this edition of our 2009 NBA Free Agent Preview last because I feel as though Center is the least important position the Cavaliers need to address. Trading for Shaquille O’Neal gives the Cavs two all-star centers, not to mention the highest paid back up center in the entire NBA. I think that the Cavs will look to sign a center in 2010 and spend this off-season to address the PF position and look to improve the perimeter defense.

With that being said here’s a look at potential signings at Center if Cleveland chooses to do so.

Robert Swift, Center.

What I like: Swift is a young 7 footer who loves to play defense. Swift lives for sending back shots and clogging up the lane. Swifts a young guy at the age of 23 and has yet to even come close to reaching his potential. Although he’s not much of a force on offense his defense is solid and he still has plenty of time to improve his game.

What I don’t like: Swift has a long list of injuries that has plagued him throughout his NBA career. It’s hard to tell where exactly how well tuned his skills are. After sitting out the 2006-2007 due to injury it seemed as though the Sonics (now Thunder) gave up on Swift.

Ryan Hollins, Center.

What I like: Hollins is another young center that I think could only grow as a player with O’Neal and Ilgauskas as mentors. At age 24, Hollins is a big 7 footer who loves to run the floor. His speed and agility allows him to score easily in transition. Hollins has excellent defensive potential and is a great shot blocker. He’s a great help defender and very effective in trap defense.

What I don’t like: What Hollins has in speed he lacks in size. He needs to bulk up to handle post defense and box out on both ends of the court. Hollins needs to improve his shot and learn to be more effective in half court offense.

Teams will be able to contract free agents starting at 11:45 pm tonight and can sign players at 12:00 am tomorrow. Follow King James Gospel on twitter to keep you updated on all the Cavaliers off-season moves.