NBA Player Tiers: Ranking all 30 starting centers in 2023-24

By Cal Durrett | Oct 14, 2023

NBA Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles against Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat during the third quarter in Game Two of the 2023 NBA Finals at Ball Arena on June 04, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

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NBA Tier 4: Good starting centers

18) Kevon Looney-Golden State Warriors
17) Robert Williams-Portland Trail Blazers
16) Nic Claxton-Brooklyn Nets
15) Ivica Zubac-LA Clippers
14) Clint Capela-Atlanta Hawks
13) Jakob Poeltl-Toronto Raptors

We’re getting warmer now. Tier four features five above-average, though not all-star-level, centers. If you have one of these big men on your favorite team, then they are in a good spot with these bigs anchoring their starting lineups. In his fourth season, Nic Claxton had the season of his career for the Nets. His 12.6 points on 70.5% shooting and 9.2 rebounds made him an offensive threat and a threat on the glass.

However, he really came into his own on the defensive end. His length and unusual mobility for someone his size helped him average a career-high in blocks and rank third in the NBA in that category. He also finished in the top-10 in Defensive Player of the Year voting. This tier also features several good defensive big men, such as Kevon Looney and Jakob Poeltl. Looney is known for both his defensive abilities and his offensive rebounding prowess.

Poeltl spent last season with the Spurs and then the Raptors, which showed why he was sought after at the trade deadline. At 7’1, he is one of the biggest centers in the NBA. He’s a terrific rebounder, particularly, offensively, and an above-average rim protector. Poeltl is also an improved passer, which has helped his offensive game expand beyond just rolling to the rim. Next up are borderline all-star centers, but who makes the cut?

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