NBA: Power Ranking The 10 Best Centers In The NBA

The center as a position is one that has undergone a lot of change in recent years. The position is thought to be declining, with more teams going “small ball” and sometimes not even playing a center. This was perhaps most evident when the NBA itself removed the position of center from the All-Star ballot; changing it to simply”‘frontcourt.” Here we’ll have a look at the 10 best centers in the NBA.

All the talent in the world, but  does DeMarcus Cousins need a trade? (Photo: Scott Mecum, Flickr.com)

10. DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings

If this list was based on talent alone, DeMarcus Cousins would be much higher than No. 10. As I’m considering the all-round package, Cousins falls on a few accounts–most notably maturity and temperament. Cousins is very good with his back to basket and facing up. He has all the potential to be a star in the NBA. Maybe a move to a veteran side–perhaps the Boston Celtics or someone of that ilk –would do him good. On his day, he is a fantastic player.

A free-agent to be, Nikola Pekovic continues to improve. Photo Credit: Keith Allison, Flickr.com

9. Nikola Pekovic, Minnesota Timberwolves

The big battering ram, Nikola Pekovic, is having a very solid season despite all the torment and struggles the T’Wolves have had with injuries this year. He has been one of the brighter lights in an otherwise dark season so far. Pekovic is averaging more 16 points and nine rebounds a game–with perhaps his most impressive performance coming recently against Philadelphia on coming on Feb. 20. Twenty-seven points and 18 rebounds against a feeble frontcourt that couldn’t deal with the big Montenegrin’s tough style just showed he’ll be getting a big paycheck come free agency. Minnesota needs to try and retain his services this offseason; he’ll have plenty of offers on the table, that’s for sure.

Chris Bosh has been very good since taking his talents to South Beach. Photo Credit: Keith Allison, Flickr.com

8. Chris Bosh, Miami Heat

The “third wheel” in the Big Three of Miami, Chris Bosh is forced to play at the 5 because of the lack of height on the Heat. He’s actually very underrated when it comes to the defensive side. He contests shots and takes up good positions on that end of the floor. Offense is where he comes into his own; mid-range to 3-point range jumpers add yet another dimension to the exciting Heat offense. His improving jump shot has seen his field-goal percentage soar to .540–the highest of his career. Bosh’s value to his side isn’t always talked about, but without him I don’t think they would have won the NBA title last year. He was vital in the series turnaround against the Indiana Pacers and also was impressive against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals.

Is there anyone in the game more intense than Kevin Garnett? Photo Credit: TheMikeLee, Flickr.com

7. Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics

If you looked up “intensity” in the dictionary, you’d probably see a picture of Kevin Garnett. The ever-passionate forward-center is once again performing very well after rumors that he was considering retirement this past offseason. Despite being a power forward for much of his career, Garnett has made the switch to the 5 for the past few seasons. He provides a defensive anchor for the rugged Boston defense and although his All-Star inclusion was a little unjustified, KG is still one of the elite big men in the game.

Tyson Chandler, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, remains limited, but that’s fine when playing with Carmelo Anthony. Photo Credit: Scott Mecum, Flickr.com

 6. Tyson Chandler, New York Knicks

The reigning Defensive Player of the Year has once again been stellar on that end of the floor. Tyson Chandler instantly changed the culture of the typically offensive-oriented Knicks team into a tough defensive side. Chandler locks down the paint. Sure, he’s a little limited on offense–but often catches alley-oops and finishes dunks powerfully. Not the flashiest player in the world, but an effective one. A fully deserved first All-Star appearance capped off a brilliant year for the one-time NBA champion.

The ever-improving Joakim Noah. Photo Credit: Keith Allison, Flickr.com

5. Joakim Noah, Chicago Bulls

There’s an argument to be had that Joakim Noah should win Defensive Player of the Year this season. For a Derrick Rose-less Bulls side, Noah has continued to improve. He’s also had to play a large amount of minutes with the loss of Omer Asik during the offseason. Up until Christmas, Noah was averaging more than 40 minutes per game!

He defends picks-and-rolls very well and can switch out onto guards pretty well. His hustle is almost unmatched in the NBA. Sure, the stroke on his jump shot is downright ugly, but that isn’t the only thing in his offensive belt. He crashes the offensive glass well and is becoming a skilled finisher around the rim. A more underrated facet of his game is his impressive passing; that is really benefiting the Bulls–as I’m sure Carlos Boozer would agree. He makes his teammates better. A true story of how hard work and determination can really turn an average player into an All-Star. With Rose back, how far can Chicago go?

Is Tim Duncan the most underrated player of his generation? Photo Credit: Keith Allison, Flickr.com

4. Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs

A 36-year-old is one on the decline, right? Wrong. Tim Duncan has improved this season from last. He and the San Antonio Spurs once again top the tough Western Conference and Duncan’s a big reason for this. He’s perhaps the most underrated player of his generation. Silky offensive moves combined with sterling defense create one hell of a player. A first-ballot Hall of Famer, that’s for sure. Can he sign out with one more ring?

Skilled big-man Brook Lopez deservedly made the All-Star team this year. Photo Credit: shinya, Flickr.com

3. Brook Lopez, Brooklyn Nets

Many questioned whether Brook Lopez was worth the large contract he signed in the offseason after Brooklyn failed to bring Dwight Howard to New York. These doubters are quiet now. Lopez has been the best player on a team that includes Joe Johnson and Deron Williams; a great achievement for a player that has been labeled soft on occasion. A refined offensive game is something that he has always had, but this season he is beginning to find showcase some defensive prowess–with former coach Avery Johnson having a great impact on him. A back-to-basket big man, the dying breed.

A skilled big-man, Marc Gasol is now better than his big brother. Photo Credit: Mark Runyon, Basketball Schedule, Flickr.com

2. Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies

My current pick for the Defensive Player of the Year, Marc Gasol has been once again brilliant this season. He’s now better than his brother, Pau, comfortably. There’s not even an argument about that now. A defensive beast inside and a finesse passer on the other end of the floor, Marc compliments his frontcourt partner, Zach Randolph, perfectly. I can’t understand why Gasol is so overlooked. He’s fantastic to watch. Gasol just seems to do the right thing at the right time, whether that be taking a shot himself, helping on a pick-and-roll or knocking down a shot himself. I had a tough time choosing between him and Dwight Howard. Gasol is certainly more finesse and has a lot more technique, if not the physical gifts Howard has.

Dwight Howard is the best center in the league, yet there is plenty of room to improve. A scary thought. (Photo via DeviantArt user angelmaker666)

1. Dwight Howard, Los Angeles Lakers

A few weeks ago and this would have been a harder decision. However, Dwight Howard is slowly looking back to his Orlando self. Even at 50 percent, he’s one of the best centers in the league. He can run the floor like no one else his size and has a ridiculous vertical. Sure, he needs to brush up on a few post moves and improve his horrific free-throw shooting, but if you had to pick one center to take for your franchise it’s almost a given you’d take D12. He needs to be more dominant now. Shaquille O’Neal often says he needs to average 28 and 15, which is perhaps a little far-fetched considering he’s playing with a certain Kobe Bryant, but it isn’t far off. Still, with no Andrew Bynum for the foreseeable future, Howard remains the best big man in the game.

Very honorable mentions: Roy Hibbert (overpaid?), DeAndre Jordan and Al Horford.