The NBA’s space and pace game has made centers unsung heroes in a team’s success. More often than not, the small-ball style of play has relegated big men to underappreciated roles in the league.A closer look at the most successful teams in the NBA shows that centers that excel in rebounding and can anchor a defense are essential. Most big men do not have the same impact as Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo.Still, to have a reliable center could mean a playoff spot or a championship berth.Here are five NBA teams who could need a big man#5. Charlotte HornetsThe Charlotte Hornets will be led by LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier and Gordon Hayward next season. Brandon Miller, the No. 2 pick of this year’s draft, is expected to add even more ammunition to the team’s offense.The frontline, though, needs a lot of work. Currently, they rely on Nick Richards and Mark Williams. The two have combined for 31 games as starting centers. If they want to at least push for a play-in spot, they may need to improve their frontcourt depth.#4. Portland Trail BlazersThe Portland Trail Blazers may want to shed Jusuf Nurkic’s remaining three-year contract if the Damian Lillard trade goes through. Whether “Dame Time” lands in Miami or not, most analysts are convinced the Blazers will package Nurkic as well.Though, even if Portland ships Lillard and keeps Nurkic, the team badly needs frontcourt depth. The Blazers’ backup center is Moses Brown, who has played 128 games, 39 as a starter in three years. If Nurkic goes down with an injury, Jerami Grant as a power forward besides Brown will be a nightmare for Portland.