The NBA center position is arguably the most unrecognizable position to old school NBA fans. The low post is on the verge of being extinct. It is however, an exciting era to play the center position for versatile athletes. NBA Centers are given the freedom to pass and shoot from distance more than ever. The center position has evolved in the NBA.
Here is a list of the top 15 NBA centers as of the 2019-2020 All-Star break:
15-11: The Formidable Centers
When ranking the NBA’s top centers, I take several factors into account. These factors include their past and recent performances, potential, skill, statistics, availability, impact on winning, and projected near future performances. While the next five centers are formidable, they fall short in one or several categories. For instance, Whiteside and Drummond do put up numbers, but their impact on winning is highly questionable.
15. Hassan Whiteside- Portland Trail Blazers
14. Steven Adams- Oklahoma City Thunder
13. Andre Drummond- Cleveland Cavaliers
12. Jonas Valanciunas- Memphis Grizzlies
11. Serge Ibaka- Toronto Raptors
Serge Ibaka is the ideal role player big man in today’s NBA. Not only can he stretch the court with his perimeter shooting, but he can also contest shots on the defensive end with his length. Whether the Raptors elect to use him at the five for small ball lineups, or pair him with Marc Gasol, Ibaka’s ability to adjust and perform are the key factors that ranked him 11th on my top 15 NBA centers list.
10. Clint Capela- Atlanta Hawks
Clint Capela has made the most out of playing alongside James Harden in Mike D’Antoni’s system. Capela, now being one of the most efficient pick & roll centers in the NBA, will now get to show us if he’s capable of being just as productive playing alongside Trae Young in Atlanta. Hawks fans should be cautiously optimistic.
9. Jusuf Nurkic- Portland Trailblazers
Injured but not forgotten. The biggest testament to why he belongs on my top 10 NBA centers list, is the struggle that the Portland Trail Blazers have had without him in their lineup. His presence not only poses a threat to opposing big men, but also opens up the floor to both McCollum and Lillard. He may not have Whiteside’s statistical impact, but I’m more interested in his impact on winning.
8. Deandre Ayton- Phoenix Suns
“Don’t be hatin, Deandre Ayton.” When he’s not suspended by the NBA, the Phoenix Suns can rely on him for a consistent double double. Another thing I like about this center a lot is his efficient field goal percentage (above 50%), and his FT%, currently at 80.4%. Ayton is on my list for one of the NBA’s most underrated players. Keep an eye on this center as he continues to improve.
7. Nikola Vučević- Orlando Magic
Although many have forgotten about the Magic’s all-star center, he remains one of the most skilled big men in the NBA. There is not much going on for the Orlando Magic of late. However, Vučević continues to average a 19.0 point double double in 32 minutes.
6. Bam Adebayo- Miami Heat
I’ve been a vocal advocate of starting Adebayo over Whiteside ever since his rookie season. Adebayo has finally had the opportunity to show his skillset and he has been flourishing. We should give credit to head coach Eric Spoelstra, who has put Adebayo in a position to utilize his underrated passing skills. Do not be surprised if Adebayo averages close to a triple double at some point during his NBA career.
5. Kristaps Porzingis- Dallas Mavericks
There is no denying Porzingis’ talent, despite his slow start while returning from his ACL injury that kept him out more than a year. You know you’re really good when people consider your 18.4 PTS, 9.1 REB, 1.9 BLK a slow start. Porzingis is starting to look like his old self again. He’s knocking down threes, blocking shots, and doing everything he can to contribute to winning. Porzingis has made a quick return to my top 10 list, despite not making it last year.
4. Rudy Gobert- Utah Jazz
Rudy Gobert has been the model of consistency in the NBA. Despite his limited skillset on the offensive end, he makes the most of his length and athleticism to contribute. On the defensive end, there is arguably no one better than he is. There is an argument for him to be in the top three .
3. Karl-Anthony Towns- Minnesota Timberwolves
Debating where Towns belongs on the list of top 15 NBA centers is not an easy one. He is one of the most gifted centers in the NBA. His ability to score at his position is undeniable. However, just two wins since Thanksgiving is indicative of the state of his organization. I’m not sure how much of it is the Timberwolves holding him back, and how much of it is him impacting winning. For now, I’m still going to blame the organization.
2. Joel Embiid- Philadelphia 76ers
When you combine Embiid’s talent and physical attributes, Embiid has all-time great potential. However, questions about his mind set, usage, and ability to stay in shape have hindered Embiid’s perception as of late. Embiid has consistently ranked in the top spot on my lists over the years. However, questions about his consistency have dropped him to the second spot on this list.
1. Nikola Jokic- Denver Nuggets
Per Sources followers know that I have been a big fan of Nikola Jokic ever since his rookie season. He is arguably one of the most talented players in the NBA. He is the epitome of the evolution of the game of basketball. Offensively, there are no holes in Jokic’s game. The Nuggets do an excellent job of hiding his defensive weaknesses. Jokic also uses the NBA season to help him get in shape for the playoffs. While others had questions about his shape heading into the playoffs last year, Jokic proved that that would not be a problem as he nearly carried the Nuggets to a Western Conference finals.
Some top centers that were found on my previous list, may have been included in the upcoming power forward list.
Care to debate my top 15 NBA centers list with me? Tweet me @TPRx11