How does Dirk fit into that mold then? Imo he probably wouldn't do so hot against SFs. Granted, he would do better than Duncan because he's a bit quicker, but on the whole Duncan is probably the better man defender. I guess there are always exceptions to the rule if you want to look at it that way. There are those that fit that rule pretty well (Garnett, Gibson, Haslem) and some that don't fit as well (Gasol, Duncan, Dirk, Al Jefferson) who by your standards have to be put into the center category in spite of their actual position.
For the record, I feel like the biggest difference between PF and C is usually the flat out size of the player. In most cases, the center is the tallest and biggest player on a team. Again, there are exceptions (Chuck Hayes is a big one). Skillwise the center usually has no game away from like 10 ft from the basket. The best centers that I can think of were actually those with a midrange jumper (Olajuwon, Ewing, Robinson, etc) rather than just pure physical domination inside ala Wilt and Shaq. I'm thinking here is where you'll say that Duncan and Gasol are centers since they have that great post game, but also a pretty good midrage jumper. But for the most part, when you think center, you get guys like Chandler, Haywood, and the like who have no true outside of the paint game and are huge or very tall players. Maybe that's a poor definition, but like I said several posts ago, the defining line between a power forward and a center is becoming increasingly subjective.
