Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic are locked in a neck-and-neck race for the MVP award. While it’s unclear who will emerge victorious, both players deserve celebration. We are witnessing two historic offensive seasons from two historic offensive talents.
Earlier in the season, we ranked every starter at every position (point guards / shooting guards / small forwards / power forwards). At long last, we arrive at the center position. Beyond Embiid and Jokic, there is a wealth of talent at the five spot in today’s NBA. The resurgence of the big man is fully underway.
Let’s start at the bottom and work our way up to the Sixers‘ MVP candidate and Jokic.
Ranking NBA starting centers — 30. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Thunder
OKC struck gold in the second round with Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, who’s already a rotation-level big in year one. The Thunder are in the very beginning stages of a rebuild, thus starting a second-round pick at center, but the 6-foot-6 Robinson-Earl has the skill package of a versatile modern big who should stick in the league for a long time. He can shoot, pass, rebound, and he has smarts on defense.
Ranking NBA starting centers — 29. Dwight Powell, Mavericks
With Kristaps Porzingis out of the picture, Dwight Powell is now the de facto starting five in Dallas. He’s not exactly the most exciting starter in the NBA — his defense has lapsed this season and even his improved 3-point percentage (37.1 percent) has coincided with an unfortunate dip in volume. Powell can block some shots, finish at the rim, and is a beneficiary of Luka Doncic’s extreme gravitational pull, but the center spot is a point of concern for the Mavs right now.
Ranking NBA starting centers — 28. Kevon Looney, Warriors
Kevon Looney has been a steadfast presence in the middle for Golden State, through good and bad. His numbers don’t pop off the page — 6.3 points, 7.6 rebounds on 56.4 percent shooting — but he’s just so reliable. He sets rock-solid screens, makes the easy shots, plays effortlessly within a complex offensive system, and is an effective big-bodied rim protector.
There are certain luxuries unique to Looney — he plays next to Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, for example — but it’s impossible not to respect the consistency of Looney’s strong play, even if Golden State goes away from him in certain matchups (like most teams with traditional centers nowadays).
Ranking NBA starting centers — 27. Isaiah Stewart, Pistons
Isaiah Stewart has built admirably upon his rookie season, emerging as the kind of high-energy culture-setter every rebuild needs. Stewart does not shy away from battles in the post, and while he’s somewhat limited offensively, his effort level typically belies some level of production. He can get easy ones around the rim, he’s slowly expanding his spot-up jumper, and the defense is never in doubt.
For the season, Stewart is averaging 7.9 points and 8.3 rebounds on 51.9 percent shooting. It’s hard to measure intangibles, but they’re infinitely more important in the context of a loss-heavy rebuild. The Pistons don’t win many games, but Stewart gives 100 percent every night, which says a lot about his character.
Ranking NBA starting centers — 26. Mo Bamba, Magic
What a season for Mo Bamba, who just last year felt like a lost cause in Orlando’s burgeoning rebuild. With injuries to key players on the roster and no shortage of opportunity, this has been Bamba’s breakout campaign. He’s not only the starting center, but a potential building block for the Magic long-term.
Bamba’s absurd wingspan is well-documented, and makes good use of his physical gifts on defense. It’s the offense, however, that has propelled Bamba to new heights in 2021-22. He’s scoring from mid-range on a regular basis, and even expanding his shot out to the 3-point line. Not many true 7-footers can take players off the dribble and maneuver around the post like Bamba. He’s a fascinating talent. 10.4 points and 8.0 rebounds on .478/.359/.828 splits is the result of his growth.
Ranking NBA starting centers — 25. Andre Drummond, Nets
The Sixers sent Andre Drummond to Brooklyn in the James Harden trade. He has provided the Nets with much-needed size and physicality in the post. He’s still one of the best rebounders in the NBA, and while his track record against the NBA’s premier bigs is spotty at best, Drummond has the bulk and competitive juice to match up with the East’s more physically dominant stars.
Drummond is no longer the All-Star he once was. It’s clear his best role is probably that of a super-charged backup, rather than a full-time starter. That said, in 20-25 minutes per game, you can count on elite rebounding, some blocked shots, and passing creativity on offense.
Ranking NBA starting centers — 24. Mason Plumlee, Hornets
Mason Plumlee’s numbers do not leap off the page. He’s averaging 6.5 points and 8.1 rebounds for Charlotte, and now, he’s regularly outshined by his backup (and Sixth Man of the Year candidate) Montrezl Harrell. That said, there is a reason Plumlee has started every game since departing Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets in 2020.
Despite his hefty limitations, Plumlee is an efficient rim runner (64.4 percent on 2-point field goals) who sets strong screens and displays excellent instincts on the roll. He can pass the ball better than your average big, he plays excellent vertical defense at 6-foot-10, and he does the dirty work on both ends. The Hornets really benefit from Plumlee’s presence, even if he’s the least flashy member of a very flashy team.
Ranking NBA starting centers — 23. Mitchell Robinson, Knicks
Mitchell Robinson is a tricky player to wrap one’s head around. On one hand, he’s an absurdly efficient scorer — 8.4 points on 76.9 percent shooting. His elastic arms and elite athleticism make Robinson pretty much unstoppable once he catches it at the rim. On the other hand, he still gets into foul trouble from time to time, and isn’t the most reliable decision-maker. That limits his playing time.
In time, Robinson should continue to polish his game and become more reliable for long stretches of time. Even in a more limited 20-25 minutes per game, however, it’s hard to deny Robinson’s sheer productivity as a rim runner and shot blocker.
Ranking NBA starting centers — 22. Steven Adams, Grizzlies
Steven Adams continues to provide reliable two-way production in the middle, even if he’s not quite the player he was at his peak in OKC. Still possibly the strongest player in the NBA, you won’t find many better post defenders than Adams. He’s a stone wall at the rim, making it difficult for opposing centers to carve out position for easy baskets.
For the season, Adams is averaging 7.2 points and 9.8 rebounds on 52.3 percent shooting. He’s still limited in scope as a scorer, but his sublime passing and feather-soft touch at the rim make him useful nonetheless. He’s also one of the best rebounders in the game, especially on the offensive glass.
Ranking NBA starting centers — 21. Ivica Zubac, Clippers
Ivica Zubac has really carved out a home in LA. The Clippers’ defense isn’t what it is without Zubac anchoring the paint. He’s an excellent vertical defender at 7-foot, 240 pounds. He’s also a high-level rebounder and a dominant finisher at the rim, displaying a deft blend of touch, physicality, and footwork. He’s excellent out of the pick-and-roll.
The Clippers have dealt with injuries up and down the roster this season, but Zubac has been one of the few constants. Starting in all 65 of his appearances, the 24-year-old is averaging 10.4 points and 8.5 rebounds on 63.4 percent shooting.
Ranking NBA starting centers — 20. Jusuf Nurkic, Blazers
Very little has gone right for Portland this season, and naturally, Jusuf Nurkic’s future with the franchise has come into question. He fits the somewhat dated archetype of traditional bruiser who defends solely in drop coverage and who, in certain matchups, can be played off the court. In other matchups, however, Nurkic’s physicality can swing the game in Portland’s favor.
For the season, Nurkic is averaging 15.0 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.1 steals on 53.4 percent shooting. He’s not the most efficient interior scorer, but he’s a matchup advantage in the post, a passable 3-point threat, a disruptive defender, and one hell of a rebounder. Nurkic has done his job for Portland, even as the team around him crumbles.
Ranking NBA starting centers — 19. Jakob Poeltl, Spurs
The Spurs’ impending rebuild does not take away from Jakob Poeltl’s impressive rise to starting-level center. He’s not only an efficient interior scorer (13.6 points on 62.0 percent shooting), but now one of the NBA’s most underrated defensive anchors. Poeltl is the heart of San Antonio’s defense, with elite shot-blocking instincts, physicality, and a dominant presence on the glass (9.1 rebounds per game).
Listed at 7-foot-1 and 245 pounds, Poeltl is just big. He knows how to throw his weight around and impose his will on smaller opponents inside. He doesn’t have the most diverse skill set, but his high basketball I.Q. and instincts make him one of the Spurs’ most impactful players.
Ranking NBA starting centers — 18. Kristaps Porzinigs, Wizards
The Wizards made the surprising decision to trade for Kristaps Porzingis at the deadline. He provides them with more offensive versatility in the frontcourt and another legitimate 20-point scorer next to Bradley Beal, should the All-Star guard decide to stick around next season. This has been an tumultuous season for Porzinigs, but his production has remained respectable across the board: 19.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.0 block on .454/.289/.874 shooting splits.
His dip in 3-point percentage is only a minor concern, and one that is almost certainly going to rectify itself in the future. Porzingis’ inefficiency at the rim and fragile frame are ongoing issues, but he can stretch out the defense on one end and provide ample shot-blocking on the other end. He should do good things in Washington.
Ranking NBA starting centers — 17. Brook Lopez, Bucks
The Bucks have been without Brook Lopez all season, an absence that was felt with particular harshness early in the campaign. While Bobby Portis has filled in admirably, the Bucks no doubt miss Brook Lopez’s steadfast presence on both sides of the ball (not to mention the inherent depth of having Portis as the sixth man, rather than the starter).
Lopez has over time developed into an efficient spot-up shooter to go along with his nifty post-up game. He has also been a key anchor for Milwaukee’s defense in recent years. Giannis gets a lot of the credit for the Bucks’ smothering defense, and rightfully so, but Giannis is most comfortable taking the risks he takes when Lopez is there to back him up inside.
Ranking NBA starting centers — 16. Myles Turner, Pacers
Myles Turner is an annual threat to lead the NBA in blocked shots (2.8 per game). His rim protection in the basis for his reputation, and injuries are the only obstacle seemingly between Turner and his first All-Defensive team nomination. With Domantas Sabonis now out of the picture, Turner is the centerpiece of Indiana’s frontcourt. His production should increase accordingly once he’s back healthy.
For the season, Turner is averaging 12.9 points and 7.1 rebounds on .509/.333/.752 splits. His ability to swat shots and drain 3s is enough to insure long-term value in the NBA. Offenses just play differently when Turner is looming in the paint. If he can kick it up another level offensively as Indiana retools, he could rise a few spots on this list.
Ranking NBA starting centers — 15. Robert Williams III, Celtics
The Celtics have the best defense in the NBA right now, in large part because Robert Williams is patrolling the paint. Averaging 2.2 blocks per game, Williams has rounded into form as one of the NBA’s premier rim protectors. He’s also swallowing 9.8 boards per game, proving an all-around physical force at the rim.
On offense, Williams’ vertical threat has proven quite useful next to Boston’s gaggle of perimeter creators. Williams is a highly efficient lob threat. He’s converting on 72.8 percent of his shots, most of which come inside the paint. He has also flashed some real passing chops facilitating from the elbow. He’s the center of the future in Boston.
Ranking NBA starting centers — 14. Christian Wood, Rockets
It has been a difficult ride for Christian Wood in Houston. The Rockets’ extreme rebuild doesn’t exactly favor Woods’ current talent level, but it also puts him center stage on a team in desperate need of his offensive talent. Wood has not been entirely consistent this year, but he’s still uniquely versatile when it comes to generating offense at 6-foot-10.
Wood can score from just about everywhere on the court. He can drain long 3s, face up and score off the bounce, or win battles in the post. His feather-soft touch and agile movement make him extremely difficult to contain one-on-one. For the season, he’s averaging 17.7 points and 10.2 rebounds on .492/.378/.611 splits.
Ranking NBA starting centers — 13. Nikola Vucevic, Bulls
Nikola Vucevic deserves the benefit of the doubt. He hasn’t always played like a top-15 center this season, but when he’s right, Vucevic can play like a two-time All-Star with ballet-like footwork and touch in the low post. Vooch hasn’t looked entirely comfortable since arriving in Chicago, but he’s still an important cog in one of the NBA’s top offenses.
For the season, Vucevic is averaging 18.1 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists on .476/.311/.760 splits. His lack of high-level efficiency — especially beyond the arc and at the rim — are concerning, but Vucevic’s size, skill level, and experience provide reasons for optimism as the playoffs approach.
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.
Ranking NBA starting centers — 9. Deandre Ayton, Suns
The Suns have the luxury of Chris Paul’s dynamic leadership and Monty Williams’ excellent coaching. That said, Deandre Ayton simply doesn’t get the credit he deserves as part of Phoenix’s league-best record and last season’s Finals run. The former No. 1 pick has come into his own as an elite rim protector, with the length to deter shots inside and the lateral quickness to guard in space.
Phoenix does an excellent job of funneling drives into Ayton and forcing offenses to recalibrate accordingly. Mikal Bridges gets a lot of credit (and deservingly so), but he’s not the only All-Defense caliber defender on the Suns roster. Then, there’s the offensive end, where Ayton has developed into one of the NBA’s most polished pick-and-roll bigs. He can finish lobs, score nimbly in the post, or even hit some spot-up jumpers every now and then. For the season, he’s averaging 16.9 points and 9.9 rebounds on .647/.333/.730 splits.
Ranking NBA starting centers — 8. Domantas Sabonis, Kings
The Kings’ controversial decision to trade for Domantas Sabonis hasn’t resulted in more wins (yet), but it’s clear Sabonis will anchor the team moving forward. He’s the new foundation upon which the Kings hope to build their first playoff contender in almost two decades. Sabonis is good enough to lead them there. He has made an immediate impact for the Kings, even if the personnel around him is lacking.
Averaging 18.7 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 5.2 assists on .574/.306/.739 splits, Sabonis has cemented his status as one of the league’s most diversely skilled bigs. His preternatural footwork in the post, advanced passing instincts, and unabashed physicality make him an uncomfortable handful for opposing defenses. He will pick apart double teams, or dominate in isolation. He might be a couple spots higher if he were a better defender.
Ranking NBA starting centers — 7. Pascal Siakam, Raptors
The Raptors continue to make themselves competitive in the Eastern Conference despite roster changes and injuries. At the center of it all is Pascal Siakam, who not long ago was the second option on a championship team. He doesn’t get the respect he deserves. Siakam, for all the jokes about his “predictable” spin move, is an absolute handful for even the best defenders.
With elite speed and physicality attacking downhill, as well as footwork and soft touch on the block, Siakam can score from just about anywhere. He’s undersized at 6-foot-9 (and perhaps more naturally considered a forward), but with Toronto’s cornucopia of wings, he has taken well to the starting five spot. For the season, Siakam is averaging 21.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists on .484/.351/.743 splits.
Ranking NBA starting centers — 6. Bam Adebayo, Heat
Bam Adebayo is one of several candidates vying for the Defensive Player of the Year award right now. Miami is the top seed in the East and one of the most cohesive teams in the NBA. Adebayo is in many ways the glue that holds them together — a multi-faceted offensive talent and the defensive backbone of a potential title contender.
With his ability to switch on the perimeter and practically guard five positions, Adebayo is impossible to scheme off the floor. His quick recovery speed, long arms, and brute strength make up for what is traditionally an undersized frame at 6-foot-9. On offense, Adebayo continues to gradually expand his repertoire. He’s already an excellent passer on the short roll and a talented interior scorer. For the season, he’s averaging 19.0 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists on 54.1 percent shooting.
Ranking NBA starting centers — 5. Karl-Anthony Towns, Timberwolves
Karl-Anthony Towns, not long removed from his first 60-point game, is about to lead Minnesota to the playoffs. The Wolves are finally kicking into gear, with Towns’ immeasurable offensive talent spearheading their success. He is not only the best shooting big man in the NBA, but an unguardable post-up scorer, a dynamic face-up threat, an increasingly aware passer, and a 7-footer who can sprint in transition with the best of them.
For all his talent on offense, Towns has always been considered “soft” to the untrained eye. He never really deserved that label, but now he has shed it entirely. He’s not only a physical offensive player, but a rapidly growing defensive anchor. The Wolves have one of the best defenses in the West, and it’s hard to get there without a competent rim protector in the middle. Towns is averaging 24.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 3.8 assists on .529/.408/.819 splits.
Ranking NBA starting centers — 4. Rudy Gobert, Jazz
Rudy Gobert might win his fourth Defensive Player of the Year award in a couple months, and he would be fully deserving. No player alters the chemistry of the opposing offense like Gobert. Guards don’t drive as frequently, bigs can’t get clean looks at the rim, and Utah benefits immeasurably. The difference between the Jazz with Gobert on the floor versus off the floor is night and day, which has been on full display this season. Utah crumbled when Gobert was injured.
Given his broad-shouldered frame and massive length at 7-foot-1, Gobert is also an elite finisher who can punish ill-timed rotations and smaller defenders at the rim. He’s converting 71.3 percent of his field goal attempts, almost all of which come inside. He’s one of the best pick-and-roll bigs in the NBA. For the season, Gobert is averaging 15.5 points, 14.7 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks.
Ranking NBA starting centers — 3. Anthony Davis, Lakers
Injuries have really gotten to Anthony Davis and the Lakers this season. We just haven’t seen the best version of AD lately. Maybe that’s the toll of copious lower-leg maladies, maybe that’s the toll of the Lakers’ broader incompetence, or maybe it’s just a temporary aberration. Whatever the case may be, we can only hope Davis gets back to 100 percent next season.
Even in his diminished state, however, Davis has been productive when on the court for LA. He’s averaging 23.1 points and 9.7 rebounds on .537/.182/.709 splits. The obvious red flag is Davis’ 3-point percentage. His jumper has been wayward and out of sync all season. That said, when he’s right, Davis is probably the best No. 2 star in basketball (and a pretty damn good No. 1 star). His rim protection shouldn’t go overlooked either. Davis can still lock all windows and doors when called upon.
Ranking NBA starting centers — 2. Joel Embiid, Sixers
Joel Embiid is an indelible offensive talent and one of the best rim protectors in the NBA. He’s having one of the best offensive seasons in recent memory, averaging 29.9 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists on .485/.366/.822 splits. He draws more fouls than any NBA player because he’s bigger and faster than everyone else. Embiid’s constantly evolving skill set — step-back jumpers, Kobe-esque fades, playmaking from the elbow — has made him arguably the most difficult one-on-one matchup in the NBA. He’s listed at 7-foot, 280 pounds, and he spends multiple possessions per game bringing the ball up the court and initiating the offense. It’s absurd to witness.
That said, while Embiid could justifiably win MVP and is probably a definitive top-5 player at this point, he doesn’t quite get the top spot. Not due to a lack of talent or accomplishment, but because there are two historically great centers in the NBA right now. Embiid’s historic campaign has only been matched in magnitude by…
Ranking NBA starting centers — 1. Nikola Jokic, Nuggets
Nikola Jokic might be the best passer on the planet. His court vision at 7-foot, 284 pounds is basically unheard of. He’s a legitimate point center, running the Denver offense and puncturing defenses in ways we’ve never really seen before. He can play bully ball inside, run off pin-downs like a guard, hit spot-up jumpers — you will struggle to completely lock Jokic out of a game. His offensive skill set is too varied and dynamic.
For the season, Jokic is averaging 26.0 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 8.1 assists on .572/.349/.804 splits. When you consider his usage rate and the difficulty of his shot attempts, it is hard to fathom how efficient Jokic is from the floor. Even more difficult when you consider how equally liable he is to break out the most impressive pass of the season on any given possession. Nobody can leave it right in the shooter’s pocket quite like Jokic. His 360-degree vision, elite efficiency, dominant rebounding, and underrated interior defense leave him in the No. 1 spot, despite real competition from Embiid.