NBA: Ranking all 30 starting centers for 2018-19

4. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets wasted no time paying their former second round pick like the franchise star that he is, and rightfully so. While Nikola Jokic is inherently flawed on defense his exceptional skill-set on the other end is the driving force behind Denver’s top-six offense over the last two seasons.

In his third NBA season, the Joker posted an exceptional 18.5 points, 10.7 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game. Not only did he establish himself as a singular offensive weapon, but he also laid claim to the title of “best passing big man in the NBA.”

Jokic is a big part of the Nuggets’ problems on the defensive end, as he’s fairly slow and clunky for an NBA athlete. However, that same awkwardness helps him draw fouls on the other end, and after converting 39.6 percent of his 3.7 long range attempts per game last year, his offensive arsenal may make him a James Harden or Russell Westbrook kind of superstar who can make up for those notable defensive flaws.