Kevin Fixler investigates the disappearance of true centers in the NBA in a lengthy piece for The Atlantic. He asks "Where have all the centers gone?" and then comes up with a list of explanations that includes, of course, injuries. -------------------------------- Part of the problem is that large bodies have shown themselves to be particularly prone to injury. Greg Oden is a case in point. At seven feet and 285 pounds, the Portland Trail Blazers made him the first overall pick in 2007. Over the next five seasons, he spent more time sidelined by knee injuries than on the court. Since entering the NBA, Oden has played a total of one regular season's worth of games. After five knee surgeries—two on his right and three on his left—the Blazers cut him this past March. -------------------------------- Other factors listed: players entering the NBA at a younger age, a lack of coaches equipped to teach big man skills, and the fact that it's easier for children to relate to (and be enthralled by) guards. -- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | Twitter