The Top 10 Centers in the NBA

By foxsports
Published

Our positional rankings conclude today with a look at the top 10 centers in the NBA. Who has the bragging rights as the best big man in the league?

The center position has seen some of the very best players in NBA history. Greats like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Shaquille O’Neal, and Hakeem Olajuwon are just a few of the superstars to grace the five.

It is also a position that demands a lot of effort and hustle and offers a variety of play styles. Every center will likely be battling and bruising in the paint on either end of the floor, scrambling for rebounds and boxing out fellow giants. They can also boast shot blocking, efficient offense in the post and the paint and even become almost unguardable if they can shoot. Many centers can pass the ball pretty well, pull down offensive rebounds for second chance points and put up jaw-dropping dunks. Centers do have those certain mandatory attributes, though: rebounding, paint offense and interior defense.

With that in mind, who are the 10 best centers in the NBA today?

    Jan 22, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Nets center Brook Lopez (11) looks to the net as Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) defends during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

    Brook Lopez

    Age: 28

    2015-16 Per Game Averages: 20.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, two assists, 1.7 blocks.

    Career Per Game Averages: 18.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.7 blocks.

    “The first thing I’m really impressed with him –watching him and I’m watching him really closely right now, watching games from the last couple of years — is how well he passes the ball and that’s going to be a big part of our offense, moving the ball.  He obviously can score the ball,” new Nets coach Kenny Atkinson said to NBC’s Chris Mannix, via SBNation’s NetsDaily.

    Mar 26, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Nets center Brook Lopez (11) reaches for the net during the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Barclays Center. Brooklyn Nets won 120-110. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

    Lopez is in a Kevin Love-Minnesota Timberwolves situation, with a good player stuck on a poor team. He is the last trade asset Brooklyn has but he seems unlikely to move just yet, at least.

    On the defensive end, Lopez is far from perfect. He puts up decent blocking numbers but that is about as far as his contributions go. He could certainly improve on defense and his coach knows it. “I think there will be areas where we’re going to challenge him. Protect the rim a little better, a little better pick-and-roll defense. These are areas where he can get a little better there, a little better here,” Atkinson said.

    “He’s already an excellent player.” That is what Atkinson said and this Atkinson thinks he’s not far wrong. He might be an offensive specialist but he’s not exactly a ghost on defense either.

    Rudy Gobert

    Age: 24

    2015-16 Per Game Averages: 9.1 points, 11 rebounds, 3.4 offensive rebounds, 2.2 blocks.

    Career Per Game Averages: 7.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.8 offensive rebounds, 1.9 blocks.

    Rudy Gobert is the Stifle Tower for good reason. As a complete contrast to Bropez, Gobert is a beast defensively. He averaged 2.2 blocks per game last year and, despite suffering a bit with several injuries, the French Rejection can be truly elite on that end of the floor.

    Apr 8, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) grabs a rebound in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports

    “The 7-footer with the 9-foot-7 standing reach is a unique talent. At his best, he is perhaps the finest rim proctor in the NBA and a Defensive Player of the Year candidate (he finished seventh in this year’s voting despite missing more than a quarter of the season). The Jazz jumped from 12th in overall defense last year to seventh this year and Gobert’s presence in the middle is a big reason why,” Aaron Falk of the Salt Lake Tribune said.

    Gobert is not imposing physically and, despite being easily bullied in the paint, he still managed 11 rebounds per game. The 24-year-old center overcame his lack of strength by using his athleticism. Where other centers use their bulky bodies as an obstacle, Gobert played like a smaller guy, jumping well and moving smoothly, despite being 7 foot.

    He’s been working over the summer though and the league should beware because this is the new Gobert.

    On the offense, Gobert is lacking. His offensive arsenal is non-existent and he has no range. What he can do is dunk, either from an offensive rebound or an alley-oop, but at 24 years old he has plenty of time to expand his game from the one that falls short of 10 points per game.

    Already, though, the Stifle Tower is a truly elite interior defender and that makes him a top 10 center in the league, kinda. Lopez as an offensive specialist and Gobert as a defensive specialist both deserve this berth.

      Apr 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) rebounds against the Golden State Warriors during game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Oracle Arena. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Houston Rockets 114-81. Mandatory Credit: Marcio Jose Sanchez/Pool Photo via USA TODAYSports

      Age: 30

      2015-16 Per Game Averages: 13.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, 3.4 offensive rebounds, 1.6 blocks.

      Career Per Game Averages: 17.8 points, 12.7 rebounds, 3.5 offensive rebounds, 2.1 blocks.

      Superman used to own this list. With the Orlando Magic, Dwight Howard was a truly elite player. He was an incredible rebounder and interior defender and, despite a total lack of range, he was explosive on offense. Howard was a physical beast and few could compete.

      Things are different now, but D12 still has a lot to his game. Even now, Howard is one of the best on the boards and is a double-double candidate every time his sneakers hit the hardwood. This rebounding is something that really fits well with his new team. “At 6-11, 265 pounds, Howard is a load on the inside and a great athlete for his size. Rebounding comes so naturally to him because of is physical domination and inside positioning, filling a major need for the Hawks,” our own Collin Huguley said.

      Apr 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) drives in against Golden State Warriors center Marreese Speights (5) during the second quarter in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

      This imposing physicality is also a huge part of his two main other strengths as an interior defender and inside scorer. “Due to his size and physicality, Dwight can bully opposing big men in the paint. After posting a career-high field goal percentage last year, Howard appears to be improving his shot selection and awareness on offense,” Huguley says, highlighting Howard’s proficiency at both low-post offense and the pick-and-roll.

      And, as a strong paint presence, Howard sheriffs the defensive paint as if it were the Old West and his shot blocking is still solid, even if it has faded a little.

      Howard does not have the passing ability of some of the other elite bigs but that is more of a luxury than a necessity. Other than that, his main weakness is his shooting range but he is putting in a lot of effort to improve his mid-range and three-point jump shots and that should inspire hope that he can consolidate what is already an all-around game.

      As an old-school center in an athletic new-school body, Howard is a menace in the paint on either end and that puts him ahead of the specialists firmly at ninth in this ranking. With a good year at home, however, he could climb what is a very tight top 10.

      “If you want to get back to the top, you gotta go back to your roots,” Dwight was told. That could turn out to be true.

        Feb 8, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) walks off the court after the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

        Age: 31

        2015-16 Per Game Averages: 16.6 points, seven rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.3 blocks.

        Career Per Game Averages: 14.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.5 blocks.

        Just like Dwight, Marc Gasol might have been a lot higher on this list recently.

        He was the Defensive Player of the Year in 2013 and Gasol was widely regarded as one of, if not the best center in the NBA. Big Spain had size, scoring, passing and defense in spades. His rebounding was never a particular strength despite his 7’1”, 255-pound frame but it didn’t need to be.

        However, it is now 2016 and Marc Gasol has not only struggled with injury this year but he also seemed to have lost a step before that. He is still a great center and he will look to prove that during the coming season with a new and improved Grizzlies roster.

        Big Spain is still one of the elite two-way centers in the league and his offense remains almost unpredictable and unmatchable, in typical Gasol fashion.

        “No other center was as much of a threat from the elbow as Marc, who could easily and decisively either find a cutter, nail a set shot, or pass to a three-point shooter. All of that is still true, but even before the broken foot that ended this past season prematurely and made us seriously concerned for his future, he had lost a step on defense,” said Matthew Rothstein of Dime Magazine.

        That’s fair enough. Marc Gasol remains a valuable defensive anchor and one of the best passing big men the league has to offer. If he can put a good, healthy season behind him, Gasol can be much higher than eighth but the rankings are unbelievably tight and his lack of health has harmed him here.

          Mar 31, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) reacts after a play during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

          Age: 36

          2015-16 Per Game Averages: 16.5 points, 11 rebounds, 4.1 assists, two blocks.

          Career Per Game Averages: 18.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.7 blocks.

          Age has caught up with Pau Gasol, as it does with every player, and it has caused his game to fade.

          “Gasol is 36 now. His mobility, always his hedge against his relatively thin frame, has eroded. His rebounding numbers, though still gaudy, are largely the result of him being 7-foot with go-go-gadget arms, always standing, statue-like, around the rim. He doesn’t rebound in traffic and rarely boxes out,” Jason Concepcion wrote for the Ringer.

          Indeed, his complete loss of pace, combined with a lack of strength, limits him in terms of interior defense and, as a result, he has become almost totally absent when the other team has the ball.

          Apr 9, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) backs down Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) during the second half at the United Center. Chicago won 105-102. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

          It’s worth noting, though, that the later part of Pau’s career has, statistically at least, been as good, if not better, than his peak. He scored 16.5 points per game last year and that is near his career average but his rebounding was the third-best of his career. The last two drama-filled years in Chicago might not have been a great fit for Gasol, but despite that he averaged at least 11 rebounds and 1.9 blocks.

          And, much like his brother, Gasol is a superb passer for a big man, averaging 4.1 assists per game last year. You might even see Pau play on the perimeter at times and you have seen him combine with Butler for the alley-oop more than once, with the big man as the passer. The ability to spread play and move the orange from a big is a tremendous weapon and such an advantage for any team.

          So yes, Pau is a top 10 center. He is a silky scorer with great control near the bucket and his rebounding continues to enjoy a renaissance in his old age. His passing is great and his shot blocking is solid, even if it does not truly represent his withering defense. Pau Gasol is a great teammate and leader and one of the best centers in the NBA, ready to go again.

          In Pau’s own words:“I am still as driven as ever.”

            May 8, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Hawks center Al Horford (15) reacts with guard Dennis Schroder (17) after making a three point basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half in game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Cavaliers defeated the Hawks 100-99. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

            Age: 30

            2015-16 Per Game Averages: 15.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.5 blocks.

            Career Per Game Averages: 14.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.2 blocks.

            Here at Soaring Down South, we are no strangers to the talents of a certain Dominican big man.

            Al Horford spent the first nine years of his career as the often-underrated main man in Atlanta before signing with the Boston Celtics in July. For us Hawks fans, that still probably hurts a bit and it should, seeing as he is a top center in the NBA.

            People might doubt Horford’s game. It can be argued, looking at his size and skill-set, that he more of a power forward than a center but Horford has played center for his entire career with the Hawks and he has evolved into a great one. His rebounding is hampered by his size and so is his blocking, but he has done exceptionally to overcome that and develop such a rounded skillset.

            May 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) shoots as Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) defends during the second quarter in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

            Aside from Marc Gasol, Horford might have the most complete game of any of these centers. You name it, he can do it. Horford is a devastating mid-range shooter. He can bang in the middle and he added a fairly efficient three-point shot to his game last year. His rebounds may not be mind-blowing, but the 30-year-old can hold his own there and is capable of pushing towards double digits. Al Horford even averaged 1.5 blocks per game last year, despite his size, but, unlike Pau Gasol, that doesn’t really do his defense justice.

            “When he’s healthy, Horford is a legitimate NBA superstar — a chameleon who is good at everything, great at some things, and always flying beneath the radar. He doesn’t pile up insane numbers, hog the ball, or appear in national TV commercials. He is concerned only with winning, even if the path there involves sacrificing shots to focus on passing, setting good picks, and battling 7-footers under the basket,” Zach Lowe wrote for Grantland back in 2015.

            Horford has been a vital part of the Hawks’ success recently, both as a pass-happy, pick-and-roll offense and as a stingy defense. Despite his size, Horford is an elite interior defender, using his I.Q. more than his size and his offense is almost completely complete.

            Make no mistake, Horford is underrated no more and he could have easily been a top 5 center in the NBA. For now, he will have to settle for sixth.

              Mar 21, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) falls to the ground after making the final game winning shot during the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 92-91. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

              Age: 23

              2015-16 Per Game Averages: 16.2 points, 14.8 rebounds, 4.9 offensive rebounds, 1.4 blocks.

              Career Per Game Averages: 13.2 points, 12.6 rebounds, 4.7 offensive rebounds, 1.6 blocks.

              Andre Drummond is the best rebounder in the NBA.

              With an average of 14.8 per game last year, Drummond showed that his mix of athleticism, strength and verticality makes him almost unstoppable on the glass. Rebounding is one of the cornerstones of the position and Drummond can do it and then some. He is one, if not the best in the league at getting second chance points and when the Pistons miss shots, it is almost like a pass to their big. Drummond hit the 20-rebound mark nine times last year and five of those were accompanied by 20 or more points.

              Apr 24, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) takes a shot during the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

              Elsewhere in his game, though, the 23-year-old is a bit raw. His offense is improving but is still somewhat reliant on dunks and lobs from Reggie Jackson. His low-post offense is improving and should be a weapon going forward but, for now, it is not particularly special. In terms of range, well, Drummond has none. He is not a jump shooter by any stretch of the imagination and mid-range jump shots and three-pointers are not something he should be trying.

              On the defensive end, Drummond seems relatively solid at first. He has the strength to hold his own on the interior defense and, at a career average of 1.6 blocks, he is fairly effective at erasing opposition shots. However, Drummond’s rim protection is actually not good at all, as Zach Harper of CBS Sports says:

              “Maybe this surprises people but Andre Drummond, despite his size and athleticism, is a poor rim protector. Just about every metric available paints him in that light. He doesn’t save points, he doesn’t protect the rim well, and the Pistons end up giving up more attempts in the restricted area when he’s on the floor than when he’s on the bench.”

              Again, this is not something that will doom Drummond. The big man has the potential to improve on both ends and, at the very least, Stan van Gundy should be able to mould him into a defensive presence.

              But despite a skillset that remains somewhat raw and unrefined, Andre Drummond is a top 5 center in the league. He is the league’s best glass-eater and that is invaluable, especially when he salvages so many offensive possessions, turning missed shots into second chance points. Drummond has the potential to become a truly elite center with a truly elite athletic package and, even at 23-years-old, he is already a star in this league.

              If you disagree, take it up with his Piston teammate Spencer Dinwiddie.

                April 5, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) is congratulated by guard Ricky Rubio (9) after making a basket while being fouled against the Golden State Warriors during overtime at Oracle Arena. The Timberwolves defeated the Warriors 124-117. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

                Age: 20

                2015-16 Per Game Averages: 18.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, two assists, 1.7 blocks.

                Don’t let age fool you, even though he is just about to enter his sophomore season, Karl-Anthony Towns is the fourth best center the league has to offer.

                Towns’ abilities are not a secret. The Minnesota big man was a dead cert for the Rookie of the Year award and that first season has inspired comparisons to that of another great, LeBron James. That is quite a complimentary comparison and, although the King hasn’t commented on the comparison himself, he has written about Towns on kicker.com.

                “…of course I agree that Karl-Anthony Towns deserved to be named Rookie of the Year. Look at his numbers. He averaged 18 points, nearly 11 rebounds, a couple blocks and a couple assists per game. Those are incredible numbers for anyone, let alone a 20-year-old first year player.”

                Apr 13, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) dunks the ball in the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Target Center. The Timberwolves won 144-109. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

                Setting aside the rest of James’ frankly bizarre article, it is clear to all that Towns is a truly phenomenal player. The guy’s offensive package is unbelievably well developed. He has post moves. He has good passing. KAT even has range, as is so vital in today’s NBA, and he is working on making his three-pointers more of a weapon.

                “My shot has looked the best it’s looked in about four years, and I’m really happy,” Towns said, via Jace Frederick of TwinCities.com.

                And, in case that wasn’t enough, Towns is as solid a rebounder as you would expect. He pulled down 11.7 rebounds per 36 minutes in his rookie year and 3.1 of those were offensive rebounds. Those are solid numbers but they could get even better. Towns is a good athlete for his size but he could be stronger and that would go a long way to helping him battle in the paint and become one of the NBA’s most dominant glass-eaters.

                Another area that could develope is defense but, especially for a 20-year-old, he is remarkably competent at it already. His 1.7 blocks per game might not hold a candle to a DeAndre Jordan or a Hassan Whiteside (remember that name) but don’t mistake that for Towns being poor on D.

                Going into his sophomore year, KAT could genuinely become a top-two center in the NBA and, although every position is tight, he could easily have been higher on this list. His offensive arsenal is scary and his potential in every other aspect should have the league bracing itself for the next few years when Karl-Anthony Towns will become a top-five superstar.

                On the best young team in the NBA, KAT is the next big thing, make no mistake about it.

                  Apr 7, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Bobby Portis (5) exchanges words with Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

                  Age: 27

                  2015-16 Per Game Averages: 14.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, 3.3 offensive rebounds, 3.7 blocks.

                  Career Per Game Averages: 11.7 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.9 offensive rebounds, 2.9 blocks.

                  With Dwyane Wade gone and Bosh’s status uncertain, all eyes will be on Hassan Whiteside in Miami this year.

                  You might not agree with the Heat big man being higher on this list than Towns or Drummond. Honestly, I’m not sure either.

                  However, considering that just two years ago Hassan Whiteside was a non-factor in the NBA, his transition to star has been jaw-dropping. This is a guy who was waived by the Kings and Grizzlies, plagued by uncomplimentary labels about his mindset and effort.

                  Apr 20, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) dunks the ball in front of Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) during the first quarter in game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

                  Wow, huh? Whiteside is now an absolute beast at the center spot. Count Blockula is a terrific player and he has a highlight reel to himself. On a regular basis, Whiteside puts up eye-watering slams off the alley-oop or with monstrous blocks. That nickname isn’t for nothing, you know. Whiteside is the only player who is a threat to get a triple-double with blocks every game. It is something he has done more than once despite not even having two full years as a star.

                  “Right now, he’s the premier rim protector in the league. It changed the game when he came in,” Hornets Coach Steve Clifford said, via the Sun Sentinel, after Whiteside put up one of those triple-doubles in February.

                  That Whiteside is the premier rim protector in the NBA today is not in doubt. It takes a truly special player to put up 3.7 blocks per game for a whole year but that’s what he did.

                  Other than that, Whiteside is not a guy who defines the new NBA. He does not have great hands, his range is way short of the three-point line and his perimeter defense isn’t amazing. In many ways, other than his unbelievable speed and athleticism, Whiteside is a tradition center. He rebounds excellently, he blocks excellently and his offense near the rim is excellently solid.

                  Clearly, he does not have the developed offensive arsenal of Towns. Still, Whiteside is an immense threat for dunks and putbacks and that helps him get 14.2 points per game, shooting at a .606 clip. Using his dominant inside scoring or the pick-and-roll, Whiteside will remind you not to sleep on him on offense.

                  As I said, though, Whiteside is far from perfect. His game does not have the completeness of Towns, Horford or Marc Gasol. He might struggle to keep his head at times. He might not even be a total advantage on defense.

                  However, when you look past that, you get the best rim protector in the NBA and an elite rebounder and inside scorer. In Hassan Whiteside, you get a star, well deserving of this spot in the rankings.

                    Apr 25, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) reacts after being called for a foul against Portland Trail Blazers guard C.J. McCollum (3) in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

                    Age: 28

                    2015-16 Per Game Averages: 12.7 points, 13.8 rebounds, 3.5 offensive rebounds, 2.3 blocks.

                    Career Per Game Averages: 8.7 points, 9.6 rebounds, 3.1 offensive rebounds, 1.8 blocks.

                    DeAndre Jordan is a difficult player to rank. He has more than his fair share of doubters, who firmly believe that his abilities are exaggerated by his partnership with the best true point guard in the league, Chris Paul. Then, there are those, like me, who don’t believe a word of that.

                    Jordan’s game has some gargantuan strengths. His rebounding, for example, is perhaps the best in the NBA. How many other players can boast an average of 14.13 blocks since the start of the 2013-14 season? None, that’s how many. Need I say more?

                    The next strength would be his defense, which is perhaps the best of any big man in the league. His 2.3 blocks per game last campaign might not blow your mind, but, as we’ve seen, blocks can be deceiving. He has now had consecutive seasons where he made the NBA All-Defensive First Team. When he’s not blocking a shot, Jordan is making the paint his own. He prowls the interior like a lion protecting its territory and it takes a brave soul to go up against him. Through his raw strength and defensive genius, Jordan changes every shot that comes from his territory.

                    Mar 30, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) dunks in the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

                    “His actual defense has finally caught up to his shot-blocking reputation as being elite. He’s just huge, and he’s really, really hard to avoid anywhere near the hoop because his foot speed is surprisingly good for a man his size covering drives,” Matthew Rothstein of Dime Magazine said.

                    On top of that, Jordan’s offense, while limited, is ruthlessly efficient. He shoots over .700 an absurd amount and has averaged such a number for the last two seasons. On the pick-and-roll, Jordan is almost unmatched in his ability to set the pick and finish near the rim.

                    The criticisms of Jordan are fair. His free-throws are borderline offensive. His low-post offense is not as good as might expect from a 6’11”, 265lb beast. And range? DeAndre won’t try a jump shot unless the game is done.

                    So how can Jordan be the second best center in the NBA if his offense is so limited? For most players, this would kill his ranking. With Jordan, however, what makes him so good is that he knows his limitations. Where other players might try things they know they can’t really do, like Josh Smith shooting threes, Jordan is comfortable with who he is and only takes shots he knows he can make. And you know what? 70 percent of the time he’s right.

                    So yes, he has his weaknesses. However, as one of the best and most efficient defenders, rebounders and inside scorers in the NBA, DeAndre Jordan is easily a top 3 center.

                      Mar 18, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) dribbles the ball up the court during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 115-108. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

                      Age: 26

                      2015-16 Per Game Averages: 26.9 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.6 steals, 1.4 blocks.

                      Career Per Game Averages: 20.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.4 steals, 1.2  blocks.

                      Was it ever in doubt? DeMarcus Cousins is the best center in the NBA.

                      For all of the headlines, Cousins is easily the most talented big in the league. He has every talent you might want and he has the size to bully any other player. But, as a more conventional center, Boogie has two main strengths: scoring and rebounding.

                      In terms of scoring, well, Cousins was the fourth-highest scorer in the NBA, scoring an outstanding 26.9 points per game. He has a complete arsenal of moves in the post and can even boast considerable range, shooting .333 from the three-point line. Boogie’s immense strength also helps him to countless offensive rebounds and second chance points. If that wasn’t enough, he might be the most ferocious dunker at his position in the league. Cousins even passes really well, giving him easily the most complete and unstoppable offensive skillset of any on this list.

                      Mar 30, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) controls the ball against Washington Wizards center Nene Hilario (42) during the second quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

                      And with 11.5 rebounds per game last year, Boogie is one of the most irresistible centers on the glass. Very few players can contend with his size (6’11”, 270lb), so he easily boxes out for rebounds. We’ve even seen him taking on more than one of the opposition bigs.

                      On the defensive end, Cousins could be better. His 1.6 steals and 1.4 blocks are perhaps a bit misleading. The hiring of Dave Joerger, though, withhis gritty Grizzlies pedigree should help Boogie improve. That is if you even care. I mean, the guy is the fourth best scorer in the league.

                      Apr 9, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) reacts to a call during the second quarter of the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

                      “It’s a no-brainer,” Kings general manager Vlade Divac said, via James Ham of CSN. “He’s the most dominant player in the whole world.”

                      Doubting that? Well, Boogie’s numbers did, in fact, prove to be “historically significant.”

                      According to Alec Nathan of Bleacher Report: “Cousins joined Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, Bob McAdoo, Hakeem Olajuwon, Bob Lanier, David Robinson and Chris Webber as the only players in league history to average at least 25 points, 11 rebounds, three dimes and a steal over the course of an entire campaign.”

                      That’s good company. And when you consider that he plays for such a mindless front office, it’s all the more impressive. Sure, Cousin’s sulking does not help him but his greatness is irrefutable.

                      As Rothstein said, when putting Cousins at the top of his own list: “The reason Boogie is first on this list is… because he’s the best offensive center in the game, an old-school bruiser who demands double teams with the ball in his hands in the high or low post. He’s an above average passer for a big man as well, and he just began to develop an above-the-break three as the trailer on fast breaks, which could be just plain unfair if he stays committed to it. The bottom line is, no one presents a matchup problem like Boogie right now, and at center that’s a pretty large advantage.”
                      Yeah, DeMarcus Cousins is pretty good. He is the fourth-best scorer in the entire league but the best center.

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