Big Futures

These five promising NBA pivotmen could play large roles down the road

Joel Przybilla, 7'1", 255, Trail Blazers
The five-year vet, at 25, broke into the starting lineup this season and through Saturday was averaging career highs of 5.8 points and 7.5 rebounds.

Samuel Dalembert, 6'11", 250, 76ers
Superior athleticism will make this shot-blocking specialist, 23, one of the most coveted free agents on the market this summer.

Pavel Podkolzin, 7'5", 260, Mavericks
At 20, the "Siberian Bear" (above) has the typically soft shooting touch of a European big man.

Ha Seung-Jin, 7'3", 305, Trail Blazers
The first NBA draft pick from Korea, a second-rounder in 2004, the 19-year-old runs well for his size and has an excellent midrange jumper.

Darko Milicic, 7'0", 245, Pistons
The second overall pick in the 2003 draft has grown two inches but at 19 has yet to make it into the Pistons' rotation.

--Chris Mannix

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GLENN JAMES/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES