The center position is officially back. Gone are the days of leaving NBA centers off any any top player ranking list. We’ve seen an abundance of size and skill return to the position. In addition to that, teams are finding ways to enable smaller players like Pascal Siakam to excel at the center position. Perhaps the toughest part of ranking NBA centers is figuring out who actually plays the position.
I decided to use the ESPN depth charts to finalize who plays what position. You’ll find the shift in the position to force this list to look much different than the top centers from the 2021-2022 rankings. Some of your favorite big men who are not on this list may also be found on our upcoming top 30 NBA power forwards 2022-2023 rankings.
Here is the top 30 NBA centers 2022-2023 rankings.
The top 30-21.
30. Thomas Bryant- Los Angeles Lakers
I was a big fan of Thomas Bryant on the Washington Wizards. There was a period of time I felt like he and Westbrook were the only ones committed to playing hard to start the season. It’s always hard to predict how players will perform when returning from a major injury. However, I am excited for Bryant’s potential. This is the exact type of player the Lakers needed. As a Celtics fan, I am disappointed that we did not sign him.
Bryant has high potential to move up this list.
29. Mo Bamba- Orlando Magic
Mo Bamba is still considered a player with potential. He took a big leap last season and showed flashes of a player with potential to move up to become a top 15 center in this league. One thing that really excites me about his potential is the fact that he shot a .381 3P% last season. A big man who can efficiently stretch the court and play defense will always have a place in the NBA.
My one worry about Bamba is the Orlando Magic organization. I’m curious if they will enable him to succeed, or hold him back.
28. Nic Claxton- Brooklyn Nets
Although I do not believe Claxton’s ceiling is as high as the two players mentioned before him, his situation has allowed him to be a very productive center for the Brooklyn Nets. In a limited role, Claxton has been relatively productive and efficient. 67.4 FG% is impressive for any center, even a role player.
27. Mitchell Robinson- New York Knicks
Robinson gives me Talen-Horton Tucker vibes. Knicks fans rave about him. I think he’s okay.
26. James Wiseman- Golden State Warriors
James Wiseman is just what the Golden State Warriors need heading into the 2023 season. A big man who can excel in the pick & roll, play defense, and not command a large salary. We have yet to see if this big man can remain healthy and excel. However, if he is healthy, his situation is perfect to be a very productive big man. I am optimistic about Wiseman’s potential to move up the top 30 NBA centers list during the 2022-2023 NBA season.
25. Kevon Looney- Golden State Warriors
When I examined what made the Warriors stand out, one thing that surprised me was how productive Looney was in the post season. He was a passing and offensive rebounding machine. Although I expect Wiseman to cut into his minutes, Looney still commands a tremendous amount of respect from me.
24. Isaiah Stewart- Detroit Pistons
As long as Stewart isn’t busy trying to fight LeBron, he should continue to be one of the NBA’s hardest playing players. I’m not sold on him being a center in the future. However, as long as he is listed as a center, it’s important to recognize his production.
23. Precious Achiuwa- Toronto Raptors
God’sgift’s, Promise’s, and Precious’ mother has blessed us all with these amazing names. Precious Achiuwa continues to bless the Toronto Raptors by playing tremendously hard. He has the potential to climb into the top 15~10 list. His game reminds me of a young Clint Capela in many ways. These types of centers will be very valuable in the NBA for years to come.
22. Brook Lopez- Milwaukee Bucks
The savvy veteran Brook Lopez remains a very productive center in the NBA, despite his diminishing athleticism. He continues to be one of the NBA’s best stretch centers. He is still one of the best at protecting the paint. The issue for him will be keeping up with teams that excel at small ball. His position on any top NBA center ranking may vary based on the opposition.
21. Ivica Zubac- Los Angeles Clippers
The Lakers problems started when Magic Johnson traded away Zubac for no nothing, for no reason. Zubac, similar to Lopez, rises and falls on this list based on his opposition. Consistently, he continues to be a very productive NBA center.
The top 20-11 NBA center rankings.
20. Jakob Poeltl- San Antonio Spurs
I would love to see my Boston Celtics find a way to acquire Jakob Poeltl. He is somewhat forgotten about and underappreciated hidden away in San Antonio. He’s a hard working and skilled NBA center who could command a first round draft pick in a trade for the Spurs. His season will vastly depend on what the Spurs intend to do this season.
19. Alperen Sengun- Houston Rockets
The more I watch Sengun, the more of a fan I become. Watching him working with Hakeem this summer, I know he is committed to becoming a top tier NBA center. He is not only one of the most skilled players in the NBA, he makes his teammates better. Jalen Green excelled in his minutes playing alongside Sengun.
Many of you will find this to be an aggressively high ranking for him. In my opinion, if it weren’t for his defense, Sengun could rank higher on the top 30 NBA centers 2022-2023 rankings.
I did an in depth analysis of Sengun’s game if you are interested in checking it out on our YouTube page.
18. Wendell Carter Jr.- Orlando Magic
All indications are that the Orlando Magic intend to take a step forward this season. If true, Carter Jr. may be one of the integral pieces to that puzzle. He is a productive big man with a diverse skill set.
17. Myles Turner- Indiana Pacers
If Myles Turner was as good as he thought he was, he’d be a top 5 center. I guess it’s important to be confident. I believe he’s alright. He’s decent defensively, just not as good as he thinks he is. His ability to stretch the court is an appreciated bonus. His position on the top 30 NBA centers rankings will vastly depend on what the Pacers intend on doing this season, and what they intend to do with him.
I expect Turner to be traded at some point this season.
16. Kristaps Porzingis- Washington Wizards
MVP level talent with terrible luck when it comes to health. Whispers around the NBA indicate that players fear Porzingis defensively more than Rudy Gobert. Offensively, Porzingis has shown us that he has the talent to carry a team. In my heart, Porzingis could rank as high as 7 on the top NBA centers rankings. However, I cannot do that in good faith when considering his availability.
Porzingis has been working hard as is motivated to help Beal and the Wizards have a winning season. I remain optimistic and hopeful about his potential this season.
Let me know how you feel about Porzingis by tweeting me @persources.
15. Steven Adams- Memphis Grizzlies
Adams is about as reliable and consistent as a center as you’re going to get. With Jaren Jackson Jr. missing time due to injury, expect Adams to be a bit more involved this season.
14. Jusuf Nurkic- Portland Trailblazers
Nurkic vs Vucevic is a toss up for me. Both highly talented with a limited defensive presence. I’m not a big fan of the Trail Blazers roster or how they play basketball. In an ideal world, Nurkic should be a 20 PT nightly scorer. Unfortunately, he isn’t utilized in a way to maximize his potential. Nonetheless, he remains a productive top tier center in the NBA.
13. Nikola Vucevic- Chicago Bulls
Vucevic compliments the Bulls’ core roster well. Would have loved to have seen them in the playoffs with a healthy Lonzo Ball. Vucevic is a complete offensive center. He can score in the paint and stretch the court. His position on the top NBA centers list will depend on how the Bulls utilize him. Should LaVine improve as a passer the way DeRozan did, we could see more production from Vucevic.
12. Robert Williams III- Boston Celtics
Talent wise, I’d prefer to have Kristaps Porzingis, Nikola Vucevic, or Jusuf Nurkic over Williams. However, Williams’ position with the Boston Celtics has enabled him to be a productive player on both ends of the court in ways very few players are in the NBA. In fact, he is statistically ranked among the best in the league in various advanced categories.
Williams is the defensive anchor on the best defensive team in the NBA. He is an elite shot blocked and reliable vertical scorer. With a little more health luck, Williams could move up this list.
11. Jonas Valančiūnas- New Orleans Pelicans
Valančiūnas continues to be one of the most versatile scoring centers in the NBA. I also have a big appreciate for tough centers who aren’t undersized. Valančiūnas can do a little of everything. I’m very excited to finally get to see him play alongside Williams. This could propel Valančiūnas back into the top 10 of the top 30 NBA centers 2022-2023 rankings.
And finally, the top 10 NBA centers for the 2022-2023 season.
10. Domantas Sabonis- Sacramento Kings
This high of a ranking may shock some of you, but hear me out. NBA players enter their prime around age 27. At 26 years old, Sabonis averaged 18.9 PTS, 12.3 REB, & 5.8 AST on 55.4 FG%. With a little improvement on his 3P% efficiency, Sabonis could rank higher on this list. Sabonis has already shown us that he is a very capable scoring center who can also make his teammates better through his passing.
If there is one thing the Sacramento Kings need, it’s someone who can make his teammates better. Another reason I believe so highly in Sabonis is the belief that the Kings organization have in him. All indications are that they are treating him like a big two alongside Fox.
The Kings will not be relevant this season unless they enable Sabonis to succeed.
9. Clint Capela- Atlanta Hawks
Although Capela is not as skilled as Sabonis, he is exatly what the Hawks need and what every team in the league desires. He is the perfect pick & roll center, on both ends of the court. The issue for centers like this is they require a skilled pick & roll point guard. Well, Capela now has two of them.
8. Jarrett Allen- Cleveland Cavaliers
I was criticized last season for ranking Jarrett Allen as a top 10 NBA center. As the year progressed, Allen proved me right repeatedly. His success next to Mobley inspired teams to once again attempt the two big man lineup. Trading Allen away for Harden will go down as one of Brooklyn’s biggest mistakes in franchise history.
Allen is the type of center that every team wished they had. Perhaps, the perfect role player.
7. Deandre Ayton- Phoenix Suns
I will never understand the Ayton slander. Ayton was disgruntled last season due to his contract situation and still managed to average 17.2 PTS, 10.2 REB, and 1.4 AST on 63.4 FG% and 36.8 3P%. Ayton is a versatile center who can play both ends of the court at a high level. I believe he has another gear he can reach and I really hope now that he has signed a long term contract, he will finally show us what he can really do.
6. Pascal Siakam- Toronto Raptors
Yes, Pascal Siakam is listed as a center. In fact, he had his best season last season, especially in minutes he played at center. In fact x2, the Raptors struggled when Siakam did not play center. While it’s difficult for all of us to comprehend how a 6’8 forward has been playing the same position as Joel Embiid, the reality is Siakam was one of the best centers in the league last season.
I made an in depth video about Siakam and highlighted how he was able to excel at the ‘point-center’ position. It’s worth checking out.
5. Bam Adebayo- Miami Heat
Although I might prefer Siakam as a player, I prefer Bam Adebayo as a center. Similar to Siakam, Adebayo is a relatively undersized center at 6’9. However, in this small ball NBA era, Adebayo brings all the skillset and intangibles you want from your star player. Every time he’d make an elite defensive play, I’d just say “that’s Bam for ya”.
I would like to highlight that you cannot be the defensive player of the year when you only play 56 games though. If the Heat are going to once again finish with the no.1 seed, they’re going to need a little more from Bam Adebayo this season.
4. Rudy Gobert- Minnesota Timberwolves
The Gobert trade showed us the difference between how NBA fans and GMs value Gobert. The reality is, he is one of the best defenders in basketball history. The Jazz’ off court vs on court stats related to Gobert were remarkable. Playing alongside Towns, the Timberwolves have the potential to be an elite basketball team next season.
Gobert not only has the ability to defend at a high level, but also make up for his teammates’ weaknesses. Karl-Anthony Towns and the Timberwolves needed Gobert. Worth noting, the Timberwolves are a much better passing team than the Jazz. Don’t be surprised if Gobert has an uptick in scoring efficiency.
3. Anthony Davis- Los Angeles Lakers
Anthony Davis is the definition of ‘your best ability is availability’. There is no denying that he has the talent to be the best big man in basketball. However, I can’t rank him ahead of Embiid and Jokic for several reasons. First, I don’t believe he is a center. I expect him to shift back to the power forward position at every opportunity he gets. Second, he is never available.
When available, I believe he has the skill to bring just as much to the table as Embiid and Jokic. If this was 2k, I might take Davis over Jokic. However, this is real life and 3rd is generous enough of a ranking.
2. Joel Embiid- Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid is not just a great center; Embiid is an all-time great NBA center. He is a true 7’0 who has no weaknesses on either side of the game. The only knock anyone has on Embiid has been his health. He has yet to play 69 games once in his career.
We all know this season could be different. This could finally be the season he plays 70 games and wins the league MVP. However, based on recent history, Embiid being ranked as the no.1 center remains a ‘wait & see’ situation.
1. Nikola Jokić- Denver Nuggets
The 2x back to back league MVP & the highest paid player in NBA history, who else but the big honey? Nikola Jokić is also a complete offensive player. He is a true point center and is evolving the game of basketball similar to what Steph Curry has done. Tall kids around the globe now believe they can dribble and pass because of Jokic.
Jokić is also a deceptively decent defender. Although Jokic is not known as an elite defender, the advanced analytics say otherwise.
“The thing that jumps out to me, and I’m gonna say this, and people not in Denver, but people around the NBA will scoff at it, he’s a very effective defensive player,” Mike Malone said. “You can’t say he’s not. All the other analytics they use for other players, when you apply those same analytics to Nikola Jokic, he should be an All-Defensive player.”
With Jokic on the court, Denver’s defensive rating is 103.7, according to NBA.com. With him off the court, it’s 114.8. That’s roughly the difference between an elite defense and the worst defense in the NBA.
When considering the complete package, Jokic is an all-time great NBA center. I believe he is the perfect NBA player. Talented and humble.
Now that the Nuggets are finally healthy, don’t be surprised if the Nuggets finish at the top of the western conference, and dare I say, a third MVP in Jokic’s near future?
Top NBA centers Honorable mentions.
I do not watch college basketball. Therefor, Rookies won’t be mentioned on any of my rankings until I watch them play NBA basketball. Players like Onyeka Okongwu, Dwight Powell, Montrezl Harrell also deserve being mentioned. In case you missed it, there is also a chance a player not mentioned will be mentioned on my upcoming top 30 NBA power forwards 2022-2023 rankings.
Who do you think was ranked too high or too low on the top 30 NBA centers 2022-2023 rankings?
Care to debate this list? Tweet me @persources.