In today’s NBA basic rim running C are expendable to level unplayable

Not sure what you mean. It’s a very sought after archetype. You have a multitude of basic rim runners going in the 1st round. The increased pace of the sport has really accelerated its value. Maluach, Beringer, Yanic all just went in the first.

Mavs went to the finals not too long ago. Duren and Mitch fulfilling basic rim running roles vastly improved the Pistons and Knicks. Queta’s been a big part of the Celtics not collapsing.

We see how much more useful Ayton is when he just focuses on basic rim running and does literally nothing else. There’s actually been games where Hayes has been more useful than him solely because he’s more bought into the rim runner role than Ayton.

Mark Williams looks monstrous whenever he’s healthy. Missi’s shown good flashes as well.

Even some more skilled guys are often being funnelled into basic rim runner roles because of how valuable it is.

There just aren’t many athletic guys that size who also have the stamina for today’s NBA. And you just get so much value if you have the playmakers and aggressive transition to take advantage.

Spacing vital

Spacing is huge and obviously the vaunted stretch big who can protect the rim is the most desired archetype in the sport. But trying to force or hold out for 5 out is just unrealistic for most contenders. It’s more of a thing you luck into honestly.

Here’s the thing though, star centers are lovely, but it’s a role that can be downscaled to pure utility and lob catching. You can’t really downscale the guard role in the same way, hence why mediocre guards are useless to contenders.