to prevent Center this breed from extinction. Centers get murdered down low and can't buy a call, but perimeter players (if you are the RIGHT ones), you will be rewarded with FTs even if you are looked the wrong way.
In the 90's, there are tons of great centers, and many far greater teams. The games are more exciting to me. Because defense matters, strategy matters, fundamental matters, and the whole league wasn't watered down. A few years ago, an injury prone Yao, a quickly declining Shaq, and a rebounding machine without any post moves Dwight, were all NBA had to offer in the center position. Now, we just have a whining Howard hasn't fully recovered from injury, and a Bynum, who hasn't played for ages.
All the 7 footers are camping out to shoot long 3s - they don't have to bang, and they can actually get help from officials too. So, why wouldn't they? Back then, a decent guard can post you up with solid moves, but now all you have is cross-over or wannabe cross-over, a post up drop step baby hook will immediately be praised as next Kareem.
NBA is a screwed up league.
/end of ranting