The latter half has probably seen the most change over the last couple of years, going from older vets to young guns who have proved themselves. No matter what order you put them in, the top 3 are a lock but the Top 10 Centers are dependent on beliefs.
How I Rank the Top 10:
First and foremost, I establish who is a center. Then I begin the analysis process, including historical performance, skill, arsenal, health and availability, and near-future expectations.
Before diving into our top 10 centers rankings of 2023, note that if a player is not on this list, he may be found in our point guards, shooting guards, small forwards or power forward lists, or our upcoming center list.
Here are the top 10 NBA Centers’ rankings
10. Nikola Vucevic – Chicago Bulls
An integral part of the success that the Bulls have seen over the past couple years. Vucevic feels that the Bulls have some unfinished business. Also one of the most consistent centers in the NBA, Vucevic has averaged 17.6 points and 11 rebounds in both of the past two seasons. Can that unfinished business help them reach the NBA Finals this season?
9. Brook Lopez – Milwaukee Bucks
“Splash Mountain” has been around for 15 years and has become one of the best three-point shooting bigs. Last season, he made 37.4% of his threes. With Lillard on the roster he may have a better fit as a pick-and-pop option. He also brings a ton of defense to the Bucks’ roster as one of the best rim-protectors.
8. Wendell Carter Jr. – Orlando Magic
The youngest player in the Top 10, Wendell Carter has been playing great ball for the Magic. He’s seen an uptick in his scoring and has consistently been getting better everywhere on the court.
7. Jarrett Allen – Cleveland Cavaliers
The 25-year-old has shown more promise than most thought he would once he landed in Cleveland. He’s a year removed from being an All-Star, if the Cavaliers want to compete in the East they’ll need him at that caliber once again.
6. Deandre Ayton – Portland Trail Blazers
There’s a new center in Portland and he’s going to be DominAyton. The five-year veteran was sent to Portland in the three-team deal for Damian Lillard. After some issues with the Suns last year, he’ll get a fresh start with a young team that features no star players. The Blazers are a team that will grow together.
5. Kristaps Porzingis – Boston Celtics
The Unicorn is excited about his new beginning. The question though, can he stay healthy enough to provide a positive impact for the Celtics? The front office appears to believe that he can after they traded Marcus Smart for him.
4. Rudy Gobert – Minnesota Timberwolves
Ranking in the Top 10 of Centers in the league, mainly because of his defense. Gobert just might be the best defensive center in the game. His offense is underrated and had been improving over the years until it fell back to his norm last year.
3. Bam Adebayo – Miami Heat
Adebayo and the Heat are ready to prove themselves once again. The Heat Center was named an All-Star for the second time in his career last year en route to the Heat making the finals. After an increase in his numbers last year, he averaged 20.4 points and 9.2 rebounds, could we see the 26-year-old improve on that?
2. Joel Embiid – Philadelphia 76ers
At this point, the reigning MVP might just hope he has another star player to play with. Both the Milwaukee Bucks and the Boston Celtics have gotten better, while the 76ers have stood pat on attempting to trade James Harden. Embiid thought the off-season was fun.
1. Nikola Jokic – Denver Nuggets
Not only is Jokic the best player in the league, he may be the funniest. Somehow, it appears that Jokic may be getting better as time goes on. Last season, we saw his point numbers drop but his assist numbers jumped up by almost 2 total assists on average. An integral part of the Nuggets championship roster.
Honorable Mention: Jusuf Nurkic – Phoenix Suns
The former Blazers big man will be an interesting player to watch alongside the likes of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. A team that definitely can make the NBA Championship if everyone can stay healthy. In seven seasons with Portland, he averaged a near double-double with 14.4 points and 9.8 rebounds.
Click here for more NBA news.
Like us on Facebook.
Subscribe to our YouTube.