Ranking NBA starting centers — 12. Jonas Valanciunas, Pelicans
Jonas Valanciunas — who, apparently, has had the nickname “Big Science” bestowed upon him — continues to fly under the radar despite his prodigious offensive output. At 6-foot-11, Valanciunas is a throwback with a modern twist. He’s one of the strongest players in the NBA, and he takes advantage of him. He can thoroughly overpower smaller defenders inside. He can also, however, hit 36.1 percent of his 2.3 attempts per game from deep.
With a dominant inside-out game offensively, Valanciunas has been the Pelicans’ best player for long stretches this season. It was the same deal in Memphis last season. He just imposes his will on games — 17.9 points, 11.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists on .536/.361/.822 splits. More credit should go to Big Science as the Pelicans make a play-in push.
Ranking NBA starting centers — 11. Clint Capela, Hawks
It has been something of a down season for Clint Capela, whose Hawks have struggled mightily from the jump. Whatever magic Atlanta’s team has lost, Capela still manages to exert immense sway over the game on both sides of the ball. He’s expertly paired with Trae Young in the pick-and-roll, and his rim protection is the heart and soul of Atlanta’s defense.
Averaging 10.6 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game, Capela is still stuffing the stat sheet. He hasn’t been quite as prolific offensively and he is no doubt looking over his shoulder at the burgeoning Onyeka Okongwu, but for now, a lot of teams (Atlanta included) would like to have Capela manning the middle.
Ranking NBA starting centers — 10. Jarrett Allen, Cavaliers
It’s no coincidence that Cleveland’s rise to postseason contention has coincided with Jarrett Allen’s first All-Star bid. There are many other factors contributing to Cleveland’s success this season, but Allen is at the center (literally and figuratively) of it all. He is the centerpiece of an elite multi-layered defensive scheme, and he’s more important offensively than he gets credit for.
Allen has gone from a fun highlight reel dunker and mid-level starter to a potentially perennial All-Star candidate. He’s one of the NBA’s best rim runners and shot-blockers, standing 6-foot-11 with springboard athleticism and a gaping wingspan. He’s ultra-efficient inside the arc (68.8 percent on 2-point shots) and is locked into what promises to be a long and fruitful partnership with Darius Garland.