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NBA: Top Centers In 2015-16

By Colby Giacubeno

Jan 5, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) drives to the basket past Dallas Mavericks center Zaza Pachulia (27) during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeat the Kings 117-116 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) drives to the basket past Dallas Mavericks center Zaza Pachulia (27) during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeat the Kings 117-116 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Even though the NBA game is heading towards smaller, faster lineups, the center position is still one that is vital. Who rounds out the top five centers in the league?

Nov 13, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) moves in against Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) during the third quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Brooklyn Nets 111-109. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) moves in against Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) during the third quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Brooklyn Nets 111-109. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

For the most part, the center position is not what it used to be in the early 2000’s and before. Players such as Shaquille O’Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon, and David Robinson were the focal points of their team’s offense. In half court sets, they would fight for position on the low block and utilize their footwork and post moves in order to score an easy two.

In today’s game, the post up hasn’t completely gone away, but it isn’t anywhere near as common as it used to be. Centers of the league today are expected to consistently make shots outside of the paint, and some even from behind the arc. And while getting the ball inside is such an advantage from an overall coaching standpoint, there are players at the position who lack a true post game.

Even still, the players who lack that post game seem to make their presence felt on the offensive/defensive glass while also being a shot-blocking presence. So while the majority of big men today aren’t as skilled with the ball on the block, they have become more versatile than NBA fans have ever seen.

The rankings were calculated by using this formula:

Total C rating: Points + Rebounds + Assists + Blocks + Steals – Turnovers

Let’s take a look at the NBA’s top centers from this season.

Next: No. 5