Who Are the Top Centers in the NBA Right Now and How Do They Compare?

As someone who has spent the better part of a decade analyzing basketball at both professional and international levels, I find the conversation around the NBA’s top centers especially compelling right now. We’re in an era where the traditional role of the center has been completely redefined—no longer just the tallest player camping near the rim, but a versatile force capable of shooting, playmaking, and anchoring the defense. If you ask me, the top-tier centers today aren’t just big men; they’re franchise pillars. Let’s talk about who stands out and why. At the very top, you’ve got Nikola Jokić and Joel Embiid—two players who, in my view, have separated themselves from the pack. Jokić, the Denver Nuggets’ maestro, is a statistical marvel. Last season, he averaged something like 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9.0 assists—numbers that scream MVP. But it’s his basketball IQ that truly sets him apart. He sees passing lanes that most point guards miss, and he’s redefined what a center can do offensively. On the other hand, Embiid brings a blend of power and finesse that’s almost unfair. He dropped 33.1 points per game last year while maintaining a defensive presence that makes opponents think twice before driving to the hoop. Personally, I lean slightly toward Jokić because of his playmaking, but you can’t go wrong with either.

Then there’s the next group—players like Bam Adebayo, Anthony Davis (when he’s healthy and playing the five), and Domantas Sabonis. Adebayo, for instance, is a defensive Swiss Army knife. He can guard all five positions, and his ability to switch on screens is a coach’s dream. Offensively, he’s improved his mid-range shot and playmaking, though he’s not quite in the Jokić-Embiid stratosphere. Sabonis, meanwhile, is a double-double machine—I recall him putting up around 19 points and 12 rebounds per game last season—and his high-post passing is severely underrated. Davis, when he’s locked in, might be the most talented two-way big in the league, but durability has been a recurring issue. If I were building a team from scratch, I’d probably take Adebayo for his consistency and defensive versatility, though I admit Davis’s ceiling is tantalizing.

What’s fascinating is how this evolution isn’t confined to the NBA. Just look at the growing global influence, highlighted by collaborations like the one between the B.League and other Asian leagues. I read recently that Nao Okamoto, the executive officer for international business of the B.League, mentioned they’re working with Asia’s pioneering play-for-pay league for possible exhibition games featuring teams and players from both leagues. This kind of cross-pollulation could introduce new styles of play and talent pipelines, potentially shaping how centers develop worldwide. Imagine a future where a Jokić-like passer emerges from Japan or the Philippines, blending traditional post skills with guard-like agility. It’s not far-fetched—international players are already influencing the NBA, and exhibitions like these could accelerate that trend. From my perspective, this globalization is a win for fans and the sport, as it fosters diversity in how the game is played.

Beyond the superstars, there are rising talents worth watching. Evan Mobley, for example, has shown flashes of becoming a generational defender with his length and timing. He averaged roughly 16 points and 9 rebounds as a rookie, and his potential is through the roof. Then there’s Chet Holmgren, who, despite injury concerns, brings a unique skill set as a stretch-five who can protect the rim. I’m particularly high on Mobley because his defensive instincts remind me of a young Kevin Garnett. On the other hand, veterans like Rudy Gobert still hold value—his rim protection is elite, even if his offensive game is limited. In today’s NBA, though, I’d argue that offensive versatility is becoming non-negotiable for centers. That’s why I’d rank Mobley above Gobert in terms of long-term impact, even if Gobert’s experience gives him an edge now.

Wrapping this up, the center position has never been more dynamic. We’ve moved from the era of Shaq-style dominance to a multifaceted role where skills like shooting, passing, and switching on defense are paramount. Jokić and Embiid lead the pack, but the depth behind them—from Adebayo’s two-way prowess to international influences—makes this a golden age for big men. Personally, I’m excited to see how global partnerships, like the B.League initiatives, might inject fresh talent and ideas into the NBA. If I had to bet on one center to build a team around today, it’d be Jokić for his unparalleled offensive impact, but the debate is what makes basketball so endlessly engaging. Whatever your preference, one thing’s clear: centers are no longer just the giants in the paint; they’re the engines driving modern basketball forward.