Prediction: We will Start a Traditional Center

[omahen]

I think this are valiant thoughts but let me provide some counter arguments. 

1.  To believe otherwise, you have to believe there is another explanation for all of the centers on the roster.  Take KP out of the mix and we still have four.  OK, one is a cheap project and one is a specialist.  But, if you go back over the last two years, Dwight has been given every opportunity to hold the spot.  Willie isn’t consistent, but in spurts he’s as good as any of the backup centers employed by LAL the last two seasons and the Bucks during Kidd’s time there.

Center number is exactly the same as last season. I am not counting Brown who I think was a throw-in Mavs didn't want and will be gone if (when?) Mavs bring another player. Last season Mavs played KP almost exclusively at C. Bobi is more of an mascott than actual rotation player. So looking that way, Mavs only have Powell and WCS behind KP.

That is largely because center here is much more involved in the offense (under Carlisle).

I think it was more Luka running the offense than Carlisle and I don't think that will change. Also looking at Olympics, if it means anything at all - 1 center and 3 wings next to Luka. KP should be capable of playing exactly like Tobey was playing. That role should give him plenty of touches and maximize his abilities. I don't think we can compare abilities of KP and AD. Also, AD still played most of his time at C in the playoffs.

Our minds tend to go to offense, but defensively KP played very little center in NY.

I think basketball changed a lot since then - most of teams had true bigs, now they are getting rare. Besides, NY didn't really have good defense.