It’s hard to replace numbers like Yao can put up. He played in 77 games for the Rockets last season and he averaged 33.6 minutes, 19.7 points, 9.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 2.0 blocked shots. 29-year old David Anderson has played overseas since he was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2002 NBA Draft. The Rockets are hoping to strike gold with him the way they did with Luis Scola. 26-year old Pops Mensah-Bonsu also could get huge minutes at center for the Rockets this season. He played in 22 games for the Spurs and Raptors last season in which he averaged 12.9 minutes, 5.0 points, 5.1 rebounds and 0.3 assists per game. More minutes could bring out the best in Mensah-Bonsu and that is one thing the Rockets can definately offer him this season. 26-year old Chuck Hayes is a natural power forward who could get some time at center this season. He played in 71 games for the Rockets last season and he averaged 12.1 minutes, 1.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 0.6 assists per game. Hayes’ game is defense and rebounding so he could be a darkhorse to get a lot of minutes this season.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE CENTERS IN 2009-2010: F+