HoopWatch

20. Kevin McHale – Chris Webber

Both guys are hardworking but Webber was the more athletic one during his younger years. McHale is the more sacrificial cager. He gets his hands dirty all the time, grabbing lose balls and making put-backs. But both guys can be trusted from the perimeter. With Webber now with the Detroit Pistons, he is looking more like McHale was for the Celtics.

19. Willis Reed – Elton Brand

The undersized Reed (for a center) has been a league-MVP leading his New York Knicks to a coveted title against a might Laker team led by Jerry West. Though Brand has very liable outside shot that Reed did not have, Reed has the more complete package with his defense and hustle plays. Brand still needs to get his first title. Anyway, both these guys are the heart-and-soul undersized big men of their teams.

18. Dennis Rodman – Ben Wallace

If Paul Millsap is still a work-in-progress and a probably-future-Rodman, Ben Wallace definitely has a case for the current Rodman. Dennis and Big Ben both defended Shaquille O’Neal with ease, and they have led the league in rebounds more than a couple of times they are 6-9 and less.

17. Patrick Ewing – Jermaine O’Neal

The sure shot from 18-feet below. The ever-dependable post-up. The avoidance of contact. The dunked-on guys. The underachievement. And still without a title, though devastating at the post. These are a few traits that both superstar centers share.

16. Daryl Dawkins – Dwight Howard

“Chocolate Thunder” Dawkins and Howard dunk with impunity. But that’s all they could do. Dawkins has shattered the glass twice. But with technological development, Howard has not broken any. Dwight still needs to develop a pet move at the post to be a serious threat. He just could not dunk his way all the time. He still has a lot of room for development.