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Cleveland Cavaliers: Ranking The Five Best Centers To Replace Andrew Bogut

By Quenton S. Albertie

Mar 6, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Andrew Bogut (6) lays on the floor after being injured during the first half against the Miami Heat at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 6, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Andrew Bogut (6) lays on the floor after being injured during the first half against the Miami Heat at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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2. Larry Sanders

Ah yes, Larry Sanders.

Sanders, who has already worked out with the Cavs and is widely expected to be next in line for a contract offer, was one of elite rim-protectors before he left the NBA in the 2014-2015 season to deal with depression and anxiety.

Now, Sanders is on the brink of a comeback. The 28-year-old Sanders is still in his athletic prime and head coach Tyronn Lue believes that Sanders still has the talent that allowed him to averaged as many as 2.8 blocks per game in his brief career.

From Joe Vardon’s article on cleveland.com, posted after Sanders’ workout with the team, Lue had this to say about Sanders’ ability to play:

"“I don’t think his talents went anywhere. Being able to block shots, run the floor, being athletic. I don’t think that’s going to change”."

Sanders is an athletic and lanky rim-protector who understands the finer points of defense and shot-blocking. He’s also an agile player who will do well when defending in space with his mobility and length. Offensively, Sanders will play much of the same role Tristan Thompson for the Cavs. Setting solid screens, being a roll man in the pick-and-roll and establishing himself in the paint to get the Cleveland Cavaliers second chance points.

The only question about Sanders is what he will do with his second chance. He seems more well-adjusted on the surface but you never know what mental or emotional state a person really is in. In any case, being around vibrant players and veterans on a team that’s expected to compete for a championship on an annual basis is the perfect situation for players to rebuild their reputations. Just look at J.R. Smith, Derrick Williams and DeAndre Liggins.