Best Centers in the NBA 2023
The role of the NBA center has evolved significantly. They’re no longer just towering figures patrolling the paint; centers are now game-changers who can score, rebound, defend, and even assist.
Moreover, creative strategies are being employed to groom relatively diminutive athletes, such as Pascal Siakam, to outshine in the center role. One considerable challenge of cataloging NBA centers lies in determining the actual position they play on the court.
My resolution was to employ ESPN depth charts to delineate players’ positions. You’ll observe an evolution in the position that results in a drastic contrast compared to the list of top 10 centers from the 2021-2022 rankings.
Here is our definitive list of the 10 best Centers in the NBA 2023 regular season, providing extensive analysis and a thorough breakdown of their performance and potential impact on their respective teams.
10. Domantas Sabonis- Sacramento Kings
This high placement might baffle a few, yet lend an ear to my reasoning. The prime of NBA players generally unfolds around 27 years of age. At a spry 26 years, Sabonis posted averages of 18.9 PTS, 12.3 REB, & 5.8 AST on 55.4 FG%. Given a marginal improvement in his 3P% efficiency, Sabonis could escalate even further on this list. He’s demonstrated his capability as an effective scoring center with an ability to enhance his teammates’ performance through his assists.
The Sacramento Kings are in dire need of a player who uplifts his colleagues’ game. My high regard for Sabonis emanates from the faith the Kings’ administration has placed in him. They consider him an integral duo along with Fox.
Unless the Kings amplify Sabonis’s potential, their relevance this season remains doubtful.
9. Clint Capela- Atlanta Hawks
Capela, though lacking the skills of Sabonis, is precisely what the Hawks desire, and in fact, every team in the league craves. He epitomizes the ideal pick & roll center, in both offensive and defensive roles. The predicament for such centers is their dependency on a competent pick & roll point guard, a requirement now satisfied by Capela’s duo.
8. Jarrett Allen- Cleveland Cavaliers
My ranking of Jarrett Allen as a top 10 NBA center last season was met with censure. As the year advanced, Allen consistently justified my position. His triumphant association with Mobley has inspired teams to revisit the dual big-man formation. The exchange of Allen for Harden will be remembered as one of Brooklyn’s most regrettable blunders in the annals of its franchise history.
Allen is the archetype of a center that every team dreams of having, perhaps the quintessential supporting player.
Also Read: Best Basketball Shoes for Centers in 2023
7. Deandre Ayton- Phoenix Suns
The criticism against Ayton is something I cannot fathom. Despite a disgruntled previous season due to contractual disputes, Ayton managed impressive averages of 17.2 PTS, 10.2 REB, and 1.4 AST on 63.4 FG% and 36.8 3P%. Ayton, a versatile center who excels at both ends of the court, possesses untapped potential that I hope will be unleashed, now that he has committed to a long-term contract.
6. Pascal Siakam- Toronto Raptors
Indeed, Pascal Siakam has earned his place as a center. In fact, his past season was arguably his most productive, particularly when playing in the center position. The Raptors experienced setbacks when Siakam did not fulfill the center role. Although it’s challenging for us to understand how a 6’8 forward can play the same position as Joel Embiid, the fact remains that Siakam was one of the top-performing centers last season.
I’ve created an insightful video elaborating on Siakam’s proficiency at the ‘point-center’ position, which is worth a watch.
5. Bam Adebayo- Miami Heat
While I might favor Siakam as a player, I prefer Bam Adebayo in the center position. Adebayo, like Siakam, is a relatively undersized center at 6’9. However, in this era of small ball NBA, Adebayo possesses the skills and characteristics you covet in your star player. Each time he executes a superb defensive maneuver, I simply say, “That’s Bam for you.”
A point worth noting – playing only 56 games does not make one a candidate for the Defensive Player of the Year. If the Heat aim to secure the no.1 seed once more, they’ll need additional contributions from Bam Adebayo this season.
4. Rudy Gobert- Minnesota Timberwolves
Rudy Gobert’s transaction starkly revealed the discrepancy in the way NBA fans and GMs value Gobert. He stands as one of the all-time best defenders in basketball history. The statistical comparisons of the Jazz, with and without Gobert, are extraordinary. Now paired with Towns, the Timberwolves have the potential to emerge as an elite team in the coming season.
Gobert’s ability to compensate for his teammates’ shortcomings, while performing his defensive duties admirably, is what the Timberwolves, and specifically Karl-Anthony Towns, needed. It’s noteworthy that the Timberwolves surpass the Jazz as a passing team. Don’t be surprised if Gobert experiences an upswing in scoring efficiency.
3. Anthony Davis- Los Angeles Lakers
Anthony Davis embodies the phrase ‘your best ability is availability.’ His talent to be the supreme big man in basketball is undisputed. However, I rank Embiid and Jokic above him for several reasons. Firstly, I do not perceive him as a center. I anticipate he’ll revert to the power forward position given any opportunity. Secondly, his availability has been sporadic at best.
When fit, Davis’s skillset can compete with that of Embiid and Jokic. In a hypothetical NBA 2K scenario, I might even prefer Davis over Jokic. However, considering real-world conditions, a 3rd place ranking is generous.
2. Joel Embiid- Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid isn’t just a great center; he stands among the NBA’s all-time superior centers. A true 7’0 who lacks no abilities on either end of the court. The only downside one could attribute to Embiid is his health, as he has yet to play 69 games once in his career.
The upcoming season could witness a change. It could be the year he plays 70 games and snags the league MVP. However, based on historical data, Embiid being hailed as the no.1 center is still a matter of ‘wait & see.’
1. Nikola Jokić- Denver Nuggets
The back-to-back league MVP and highest-paid player in NBA history, who else but the ‘big honey,’ Nikola Jokic? He is a complete offensive player, a true point center, and is revolutionizing the game of basketball, similar to Steph Curry’s impact. Thanks to Jokic, tall youngsters worldwide now believe in their potential to dribble and pass.
Jokic is also a surprisingly capable defender. While Jokic is not recognized as a premier defender, the advanced metrics paint a different picture.
Mike Malone has been quoted saying, “The thing that jumps out to me, and I’m gonna say this, and people not in Denver, but people around the NBA will scoff at it, he’s a very effective defensive player.” Denver’s defensive rating with Jokic on the court is 103.7, according to NBA.com. With him off the court, it’s 114.8. That’s roughly the difference between an elite defense and the worst defense in the NBA.
Considering his complete package of skills, Jokic stands among the all-time great NBA centers. In my eyes, he is the perfect NBA player – both talented and modest.
With the Nuggets finally regaining their health, it wouldn’t be surprising if they secure a top spot in the western conference, and perhaps, a third MVP for Jokic could be on the horizon.
