The center position has probably changed the most in the “modern NBA.” The most desirable centers have the ability to guard the pick and roll on the defensive end, and stretch the floor on the offensive end. It may be difficult to evaluate how legends like Patrick Ewing and David Robinson would do in today’s NBA. However, projecting the top 10 centers for the ’18-’19 season is a lot simpler than you think. Before we begin, do note that some players who aren’t on this list may have been listed here as power forwards.
1. Joel Embiid- Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid is finally healthy and dominating the NBA just like the 76ers always hoped he could. He is an efficient scorer, phenomenal defender, and can make his free throws (Per Sources fans know how important this is to me). His scoring ability is so diverse, it reminds NBA fans of the great Hakeem Olajuwon. He talks trash and backs it up. What is there not to love about Joel Embiid? If I had to bet on an MVP sleeper, Jo Jo would be one of my top candidates for next season.
2. Karl-Anthony Towns- Minnesota Timberwolves
Towns may not be one of the first two centers I’d pick for my team, but I cannot deny his skill. He is another phenomenal scorer and capable defender. His weaknesses often come with perceived effort, especially on the defensive end. However, Towns has never missed a game in the NBA thus far and has been improving every season with the team. Sometimes value relies on dependability, and Towns is as dependable as they get. He’s only 22 with a lot of room to grow. I expect him to take another step forward next season.
3. Hassan Whiteside- Miami Heat
Just kidding lol
3. Nikola Jokic- Denver Nuggets
I don’t know if there is a more fun big man to watch in the NBA than Nikola Jokic. He is one of the main reasons I still have NBA League Pass. Denver has chosen to build around Jokic and it’s slowly paying off. He is one of the best passing big men I have ever seen. In addition to that, he’s an absolute beast in the post, who can also step out and take jump shots. If you told me Jokic was your no.1 center, I would not argue with you. I fully expect Jokic to lead the Nuggets to the playoffs next season.
4. Rudy Gobert- Utah Jazz
The jump that Utah took as a team with the return of Gobert last season was a real eye opener. The Jazz were a different team with and without Gobert. You can read about his defensive impact in depth in this ESPN article. Gobert’s defensive impact leads to winning unlike any other center in the NBA. When healthy, he is a game changed.
5. Al Horford- Boston Celtics
NBA stats watchers are quick to jump at Horford’s numbers, claiming he isn’t even an all-star. I think there is little dispute that he was Boston’s best player last season. Everything he did impacted winning. Whether he was initiating offense as the point guard in a hybrid Stevens’ offense, or guarding the opposing team’s best players, Horford was doing it all for the Boston Celtics. His one-two game with Irving helped Irving and the Celtics win 16 straight games early in the season. Horford’s impact doesn’t show on paper, but don’t be fooled. Al Horford is still a top tier center in the NBA.
6. Clint Capela- Houston Rockets
Some fans argue that Capela’s impact is a product of James Harden’s ability to run the pick & roll. While that may or may not be true, the fact is that Capela is still with the Rockets next season. With that in mind, Capela should continue to be effective and efficient on the offensive end. He is very strong and athletic, which helps make up for his lack of size on the defensive end.
7. DeAndre Jordan- Dallas Mavericks
DJ is finally joining forces with Cuban and the Mavericks. If the team is healthy, Jordan may have to move up this list. Playing along side Dennis Smith Jr. and Luka Doncic is only going to help Jordan continue to be efficient on the offensive end. His lack of ability to stretch the floor, hit free throws, and guard the pick & roll like he used to, are the reasons why he isn’t higher on my list.
8. Steven Adams- Oklahoma City Thunder
Flash and scoring ability is great for highlights. However, sometimes you just need a tough big man who can do his job. With a 0.629 FG%, Adams has been one of the most efficient big men in the league. Adams simply does what is asked of him on a consistent basis. That’s about as much as you can ask from any above average big man in the NBA.
9. Marc Gasol- Memphis Grizzlies
Gasol has been as high as a top 3 center on my list in the past. Memphis’ lack of direction is what has Gasol starting the year relatively low on my list. When healthy, he and Conley Jr. have consistently lead the Grizzlies to the playoffs. Gasol has the size and skill to compete with the best of them. His production will rely on whether or not the Grizzlies will decide to win this year. He could easily move up or down this list.
10. Andre Drummond- Detroit Pistons
Drummond and Howard are a toss up for me. Early on, the Pistons were running the ball through Drummond and finding success. Drummond’s lack of success has appeared to be a product of laziness and lack of commitment to the defensive end. I’m not sure how much truth goes into that. However, the Pistons could be much better. That starts with Drummond. He’s an old school center who can rebound with the best of them. With a little more effort on the defensive end, I can see him moving up this list.
Dark Horse: Dwight Howard- Washington Wizards
Howard was a very low key top 10 center last season. He’s still a rebounding big who contests shots and dunks the basketball. I hope he’s not serious about shooting the basketball. Otherwise, he is a serviceable center who still has a lot in the tank. I’m hoping that playing next to John Wall will help Howard have his best game in years.
Centers like Enes Kanter, Jusuf Nurkic, and Nikola Vucevic can easily slide into this top 10 list. They each have the skill necessary to score at will in the post. Many NBA fans will criticize this list because of Cousins’ absence. When healthy, Cousins was a top 3 center on my list at any given time. However, the Warriors don’t need Cousins to win an NBA championship. Therefor, they will put his health first. It’s hard to produce like a top 10 center when you are easing back from a major injury. As for Hassan Whiteside, his skillset doesn’t translate well to the modern NBA. In addition to that, his on-ball defense and ability to guard the pick & roll is subpar. Yes, he blocks shots; but there’s more to defense than blocking shots.
Tweet me at @TPRx11. Curious to hear what you guys think.
Per Sources Misses Nothing