The NBA entered 2017 with what seems like more star players than ever before with the old guard of LeBron James and Chris Paul still performing at an elite level while newer stars like Russell Westbrook and James Harden have ascended to the top. Meanwhile, the center position is as deep as it has been in a long time with five players in particular performing at an elite level this season. Here is a look at the top five centers in the NBA right now.
1. Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans
The biggest disappointment when it comes to Davis is the fact that the Pelicans haven’t surrounded him with more talent in an effort to contend for a playoff spot over the past couple of seasons. The reality is that the lack of talent around him has made Davis that much more appreciated based on the ridiculous numbers he has put up over the years. Davis has averaged 28.8 points, 12.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 2.5 blocks and 1.4 steals per game this season and if he can maintain those averages then he will join Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bob Mcadoo as the only players in NBA history to average at least 28 points, 12 rebounds, two assists and two blocks in a season. The fact that Davis is still just 23-years-old offers hope that New Orleans can become a contender down the line but even now it’s clear that they have the best center in the NBA on their roster.
2. DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings
Cousins is right there behind Davis as one of the best centers in the NBA with the complete skill set that you would want from a dominant big man. Cousins has averaged 28.5 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks per game this season, ranking first at his position in steals, second in points and three-point shots per game and fifth in assists. As is the case with Davis in New Orleans, Sacramento hasn’t done nearly a good enough job surrounding Cousins with capable talent and that is why the Kings are not considered a serious playoff threat in the loaded Western Conference once again this season.
3. Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves
The 21-year-old Towns has put the NBA on notice as a rising star that could easily climb to the top of this list by the time he reaches his prime. The reigning Rookie of the Year award winner has averaged 21.4 points, 11.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.5 blocks per game and while he still needs to cut down on his turnovers his raw skill set is absolutely incredible. Towns has all of the tools to become the most dominant big man in the NBA and it seems like only a matter of time before he ascends to the top of this list.
4. Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz
Gobert’s defensive gifts have been talked about for years but the 24-year-old has polished his offensive game over the past couple of seasons to the point where he can now be considered among the best in the game at his position. Gobert has averaged 12.5 points, 12.2 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game while holding opponents to just 42.8-percent shooting at the rim. His improved point totals and field goal percentage indicate that Gobert should continue to improve as he gets more experience in the league and it will be interesting to see what the ceiling is for the 24-year-old in Utah.
5. DeAndre Jordan, Los Angeles Clippers
Andre Drummond and Joel Embiid receive honorable mentions in this spot but ultimately we went with Jordan as a player that has done it all on a serious playoff contender in the Clippers. Jordan has averaged 12.0 points, 13.4 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game while routinely putting up highlight-reel dunks, alley-oops and blocks in Los Angeles. Jordan isn’t nearly as dominant with the ball in his hands as the top three players on this list but he is a capable finisher at the rim with the skill set to excel at both ends of the floor so he gets the nod at No. 5 on the list of the top NBA centers right now.
Bet on all of the big games this week at Diamond Sportsbook! Get the latest NBA betting lines right here.
