[jmarg25Participant]

Well the forum has been really dull the last week, so I wanted to debate the top 10 centers in the NBA this upcoming season. My rankings would be

1. Dwight Howard
2. Andrew Bynum
3. Demarcus Cousins
4. Tyson Chandler
5. Al Jefferson
6. Roy Hibbert
7. Marc Gasol
8. Greg Monroe
9. Al Horford
10. Marcin Gortat

It is a tough list to come up with. Also, this isn’t including Duncan and Garnett, they are power fowards in my eyes. How would you guys change it up?

[BostonkingsParticipant]

Decent list, 1-3 are correct, but after 3 it’s gotta be Hibbert, Gasol, Chandler, and imo Jefferson needs to be either be last or not on this list at all.

 

1. Dwight Howard

2. Andrew Bynum

3. Demarcus Cousins

4. Roy Hibbert

5. Marc Gasol

6. Tyson Chandler

7. Greg Monroe

8. Al Horford

9. Marcin Gortat

10. Al Jefferson

[jmarg25Participant]

He averaged 19.2 points and 9.6 rebounds last year, and though he isn’t as good on defense as most of these guys, its hard to put him last considering those numbers.

 

[B-ball fanParticipant]

 Including Duncan and Garnett.  Brandon Bass and Boris Diaw aren’t centers.

1. Dwight Howard

2. Kevin Garnett

3. Tim Duncan

4. Andrew Bynum

5. Tyson Chandler

6. Marc Gasol

7. Andrew Bogut (when healthy)

8. Al Horford

9. Roy Hibbert

10. Greg Monroe

[JoeWolf1]

 I know he’s an easy target because of his 10-11 season of rebounding impotence, but Brook Lopez, IMO, is a top 10 center regardless of his low rebounding numbers in his last full season.  He’s one of only 4 or 5 centers who can score 18 + ppg every night.

[BasketBalAllanParticipant]

I still do not think I could put him above anyone on my list right now. Even with his scoring I would need him to improve some other part of his game if he is going to be such a weak rebounder and only an average defender.

[JoeWolf1]

 I hear what you are saying, but Lopez got thrown under the bus for the 10-11 season.  He was at 8.6 and 8.1 in his first two seasons and never had a chance to redeem himself last year due to his injuries.  I get why he’s not on your list, I guess, but I think when he starts playing this season, it will be pretty evident he’s top 10.

Just for the sake of arguement, not every guy you have ahead of him is a complete player, but Lopez is off because of not being complete.  Chandler can’t play offense and isn’t an above average shot blocker,  Andrew Bogut was a 44% FT shooter in his last full season, Roy Hibbert only has one season above 8 rpg ( Lopez has 2).  

Again, for the sake or arguement, what makes Lopez’s bad season of rebounding trump those other player’s equally evident weaknesses, despite scoring over 18 ppg his last two healthy seasons as well as blocking 1.6 shots and shooting nearly 80% from the foul line. 

[B-ball fanParticipant]

 While you have a point, Lopez’s rebounding struggles have stretched over two seasons (granted he barely played this past season).  Even with the injuries, he shouldn’t get a pass on struggling so absolutely in that aspect of the game over the last 87 games he has played.  Plus, Lopez is a worse defender than every player mentioned on the topic, other than Al Jefferson.  Lopez may block some shots, but he struggles to effectively defend the pick-and-roll and can’t keep up with quicker bigs.  Against top offensive teams, such as the Heat and the Thunder, Lopez could be a liability due to his defensive limitations.

While Lopez is one of the better scoring centers in the league, it is not enough to make up for his weaknesses in the other areas of the game.  Most NBA teams run offenses that rely heavily on the pick-and-roll and dribble penetration, so a premium is put on more mobile big men.  Lopez’s offensive contributions are enough to make him a top 15 center in my mind, but unless he can get his rebounding up to where it was early in his career, I don’t think he should be considered a top 10 center. 

[JoeWolf1]

I think a lot of people are writing him off too early.  I predict he’ll have a resurged 11-12 season and you’re right, rebounding and D are not his strong suits, but when he’s an 18 ppg 8 rpg center it’s a lot easier to put him on a top 10 list compared to a 20 ppg 6 rpg center.

I think he’ll return to his old form.  I may be wrong, but in an ear where there are so few quality true centers ( hell, there are at least 2 or 3 PF’s on every list) I think Lopez is top 10.  He didn’t play last year, and two years ago he had a sub par season, so I understand his absense.  I just think it’s too soon to count him out. He was one of two centers that were viewed as good enough to be in the Dwight Howard trade.  Bynum and Lopez (before he got hurt), that’s not from me either, that is from NBA GM’s.

[aamir543Participant]

^I would not be surprised to see Brook Lopez putitng up 25 a game in a year or two, but right now I can understand leaving him out of the top 10 for more proven guys, but he definatly has the talent. I just want to see his boards be at least around 7, and then he won’t get too much flak for that. But he’s an insanely talented scorer. He’s easily a better low post scorer than Dwight.(as are many other bigs, but Dwight’s still the best overall)

[BasketBalAllanParticipant]

I guess the difference to me is that in his third season Lopez had some significant set backs in his play. It took him over 2 more attempts per game to average 1 more point, his rebounds dropped to 6 rpg, both his FT% and his FG% dropped just a little bit, his TO dropped a little but so did his assists, steals and blocks. This to me would just say he had a bad year and is going to need to step it up in the 2011 offseason, but then to comback and get hurt and have to sit out almost a year I think could be a large setback in the type of player we see him become. Right now I just cant put him ahead of anyone on my list because noone knows if we will see that 8rpg player or the 4rpg player we saw for a small stint last season. 

Of those other players you mentioned. Bogut is on the list as a conditional with his health, if he can be the player he was 2 years ago we know we can expect to see a 14-10-2 with 2.5 blocks ( I will take an extra 4 rpg and 1blk over 4 more ppg and FT%). Hibbert may only have 1 season with above 8rpg but the important fact is that it was last year, not 3-4 years ago. Chandler may not be very good at scoring but manages to pull in a respectable 11-10 on better teams playing less minutes than Lopez,  is just as adept at shot blocking as Brook, and spent the summer playing with some of the best in the world, usually an indicator of an upward trend in play next year. 

If Lopez can come out and put up number similar to his sophomore season then I think it will earn him a place on my list, but until then his talent and future are a bit too uncertain for me.

[TallmanNYCParticipant]

I agree we shouldn’t read too much into Lopez’s lack or rebounding over what was, I think, 5 games last year. He really has two seasons of average rebounding (the first two) and then one season of terrible rebounding (2010-2011). The five games and limited minutes Lopez played in 2011-2012 can’t be counted. I’m hoping he bounces back and plays some defense. Otherwise the Nets are in trouble. They really aren’t going to need 20 points per game from him with the rest of their roster.

Just have to disagree with one thing though. Chandler is not bad at offense. He has a limited offensive game, but he also stays well within it. The result is he has lead the league in shooting percentage for two years in a row. They are just lobs, put backs and dunks, but there are enough of them each game to make an impact. If you recall the Linsanity run the Knicks ran pick and role with Chandler again and again. So if an NBA team is basically running its offense through you and the PG, then you can’t be said to not have an offensive game. He doesn’t have any post moves and of course no dribble drives or a long range jumper, but he impacts the offensive end nearly as much as he does the defensive end, he just doesn’t get credit for it.

[BasketBalAllanParticipant]

I do not really count either Duncan or Garnett as a center because I believe they are playing that position currently out of team need and the fact that they are aging. If I was to count them they would occupy the 4 and 5 spots in my opinion.

1. Dwight Howard

2. Andrew Bynum

3. Demarcus Cousins

4. Al Horford (would love to see him get to play PF)

5. Andrew Bogut (healthy…obviously)

6. Marc Gasol

7. Roy Hibbert

8. Tyson Chandler

9. Greg Monroe

10. Marcin Gortat

 

[Steven]

 i cant believe everyone agrees that demarcus cousins is #3 on the list… YIKES. i must be one of the rare few. id have him at #6-8

[BasketBalAllanParticipant]

Obviously I am a big fan of his, but I was a little surprised that people have him ranked that high as well. But when you break it down there is not a lot of difference currently in the talent level of spots 3-7, and based on how much he has left to improve and that he turned 22 just last week you can see that there is certainly reason to like what he is and could become in the league.

[jmarg25Participant]

I know he is immature, but he can be unstoppable. His offensive game is better than Dwight Howard, and he is a beast on the offensive glass. You can definitely argue his position at number 3, but his stats certainly back that up.

 

[leokkeo8383Participant]

LOL

[Sharp ShooterParticipant]

 1. Dwight Howard

2. Andrew Bynum

3. Demarcus Cousins

4. Greg Monroe

5. Al Jefferson

6. Marc Gasol

7.Roy Hibbert

8. Al Horford

9. Tyson Chandler

10. Marcin Gortat

Dwight should put up career numbers this year especially with playing with steve nash and kobe. Andrew should be dominant in the east..What i dont understand is why is Tyson ranked so  high in these forums he’s mad overrated, imo he reached his ceiling…and u already know what to expect from him this season (10ppg, 10rpg a block or so)  the real wild card are Monroe and Cousins because u wanna know are they gonna make that jump into the NBA elite…(i think  so) I still think Marc Gasol gonna be good this season,Al still gonna put up good numbers this season but will go unsee because his team record. Roy Hibbert, i think is still gonna struggle with being consistent so i think he would avg around (13,9) and it’ll be interesting to see how al horford bounces back from his injury and How will Marcin Gortat do without the help of steve nash. I would add Andrew Bogut on the list because i would like to see how he do out west

 

[B-ball fanParticipant]

 I don’t see how Chandler is really overrated.  He has had a major impact on the defense of each team he has played on; the Bobcats were the league’s top team in defensive efficiency during Chandler’s time there, but they regressed once he left; Dallas showed substantial improvement upon his arrival, and the Knicks went from being a bottom five defensive team before acqiring Chandler to being a top 10 defensive team with Chandler.  

Plus, Chandler is an outstanding offensive rebounder and isn’t nearly as bad an offensive player as some people think.  Last year he averaged 11.3 ppg on 68% shooting from the field.  To put that in perspective, Roy Hibbert averaged 12.8 ppg on 50% shooting last year.  Yes, Hibbert was asked to create his own scoring opportunities more, but Hibbert couldn’t score on lobs and cuts to the rim the way Chandler does if he tried.  

Chandler is not a dynamic offensive player, but he is a competent one who excels at cutting to the basket and running the floor.  Sometimes hustle is enough for a center to succeed.

[TallmanNYCParticipant]

Exactly. Some truth! Being able to cut and catch lobs and dunk them is a skill when you can do it again and again during the course of an NBA game! Scoring 11.3 PPG on 68% shooting is way more valuable than 12.8 on 50% shooting. Basically teams focus a lot of their defensive on Chandler because if he gets the ball in his comfort zone it is over and he knows how to get there if the defense relaxes. You have add in that he is a decent free throw shooter, so you are giving up the points even if you foul him as well.

So thanks for point this out. But actually, I think even you underestimate how much impact Chandler has. He is more than just competent. For example, there is a stat called "Offensive Rating". Chandler has had the highest in the league for the last two years at 131 and 130 (basically it is an estimate of points per 100 possessions). It is mainly because of his crazy high shooting percentage and those offensive boards.

[Emil8383Participant]

I lol

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

DeMarcus Cousins is overrated on this site.

He fouls too much. I wouldn’t be surprised if he led the NBA in fouls last season. He can’t defend, he doesn’t finish well around the rim and his endurance isn’t the greatest. He’s still a hot headed ticking time bomb that’s waiting to blow up… I don’t care what anybody says.

People make a big deal that he put up good numbers on a terrible team. He’s talented/skilled for his size, has a good rebounding motor, etc… There’s no doubt about that, but no way he’s a top five center.

[BasketBalAllanParticipant]

 I have no doubt in my mind that he is a top 5 center in the NBA. 

You are correct to say that he led the NBA in fouls last season, and he still needs to work a bit on his condition. Demarcus has a habit of commiting fouls that stem from being inexperienced, whether it being reaching in against a guard or overcompensating in the backcourt for a missed oppertunity on offense, he seems to commit 2 to 3 of these rookie mistakes every game, leading him to have higher fouls numbers than he should, but even if as he grows as a player he drops that number by just one foul a game he will be averageing the same number as Howard, Marc Gasol, Perkins, Hibbert, Chandler, and a lot of other bigs. Cousins also needs to work on his conditioning, but that is something that has seen extreme improvment since he came in the league, and according to sightings of him this summer competeing with the select squad he looks learner and meaner than ever. Cousins may be a little hot-headed at times and let his emotions get the best of him but he has improved in that area as well. Demarcus plays with more passion than most players in the NBA and while sometimes it is to his disadvantage the majority of the time he uses it to fuel his dominate playing style. Yes he will have his issues in the future and I hope when he explodes a time or two throughout his career the right people will be there to save him from himself, but that will certainly not deter him from becoming a great player.

Cousins defense is extremely underrated, he manages to block 1.2 per game which is around average for a center, but he also is one of the league leaders in offensive fouls drawn. He is becomeing noticably more intelligent on the defensive end and you will see it if you watch him this upcoming season. 

[geieizpsap838383Participant]

I think a lot of people are writing him off too early

[geta0898Participant]

why??

[JoeWolf1]

 Let the Neg’s fly.  We have a Brook Lopez sighting and I’m leaving off power forwards, like Greg Monroe.

1. Dwight Howard – Has been the best C in the league since Yao Ming started getting hurt on a regular basis, and has held the spot to this day.

2. Andrew Bynum – A bit of a long jounrey to this point, but he’s hit his stride and I don’t think he’s going to be looking back anytime soon.  

3. DeMarcus Cousins – It’s hard to deny what he did last season and despite past character concerns and only two years under his belt, he’s got a hell of a future and he’ll be even better this season.

4. Marcin Gortat – The guy who rose from Dwight’s shadow had a monster 11-12 season.  15/ 10/ 1.5 and is a skilled, mobile all around player.  If he were playing in the East, people wouldn’t be so high on Roy Hibbert. 

5. Marc Gasol – Gasol is a great all around player who has skill, can rebound and block shots.  I think Gortat passed him last season, although my 4/5 spots were very close.

6. Tyson Chandler – Chandler is a great defensive guy and a pick and roll defender, he’s not the most polished on the offensive end, but he finishes lobs and does what he has to do and can finish And 1’s.

7. Al Jefferson – Jefferson is a guy that produces wherever he goes.  People wish he was tougher, would play more D, but it’s hard to argue the production he gives you every night.

8. Al Horford – Okay Okay Okay, I said no power forwards, but this is not Al’s fault.  Monroe will play PF next season, as will Duncan and others who’ve made the list.  Atlanta just refuses to sign anyone to relieve Horford of that role.  He missed a lot of last year, but I love his game and he’s good enough for my list, despite not being a true C.

9. Brook Lopez – Lopez is easy to hate because of his 6 rebounds for a C! reaction.  In reality, he’s averaged more than 8 rpg for many more games than he has 6 and despite the fact he’s one dimensional, he’s really good at that one dimesion.

10. Joakim Noah – Joakim Noah is everything Roy Hibbert isn’t when put in a tough spot in the playoffs.  Noah is a double double guy who runs the court like a deer, can block a key shot and provide energy in a key moment. 

11. Roy Hibbert – Why did he miss out?  Because he is not a clutch player and is just above average in every other aspect of his game.  All these guys ahead of him are good to elite at one level of play for the center position or combine two areas at a higher level than Hibbert.  I know Roy Hibbert was an All-Star, but he wouldn’t have been, if Gortat, Gasol, Cousins and Jefferson played in the East.  I like Roy Hibbert, but he’s a good starting center, not top 10 in the league.

[jmarg25Participant]

As a Phoenix Suns fan, I love Gortat and hes underrated, but I think his offensive numbers have probably been inflated due to playing pick and roll with Steve Nash.

 

[rileymcshea3Participant]

 Marcin gortat is not that 4th best center in the league…. Yeah he got 15 ppg but let’s see him do that without Nash,and 10 rpg isn’t that bad on the suns ,someone has to grab a rebound. 

Dont get me wrong he is good and underrated but he is not the 4th best center in the league.

And hibbert at 11 because he is not clutch!? Is this a joke? Why would you need a defensive center to be clutch?

[JoeWolf1]

Hibbert is a good starting center, he’s got a little skill, can rebound a little and block a few shots, but he’s not that good at anything. Don’t get me wrong, he was a great pick in the draft, a hard worker, but he couldn’t dominate Joel Anthony, 225lb Chris Bosh or Haslem in the playoffs, in fact, he struggled.

It’s not that he’s not clutch, it’s that he’s not that good in any one area, and he couldn’t dominate smaller or less talented players, or both when his team needed him most.

[Brew Meister SmithParticipant]

1. Howard

2. Bynum

3. Chandler

4. M. Gasol

5. Hibbert

6. Horford

7. Noah

8. Cousins

9. Perkins (can guard Howard better than anyone else in the league)

10. Munroe 

I’ll probably get mauled over this list, but I’m going with the guys who make the most impact – no stats needed.  Chandler won Dallas those rings with his defence.  Noah can outrebound almost anyone in the league  – especially on the offensive end.  OKC will see the value of Perkins the way Boston did, now that they will have to go through Dwight – there is no tougher low post defender (except maybe Dwight himself.)

[NJHooper95Participant]

Without a doubt Lopez is a top 10 center in the game. His Rebounding leaves alot to be desired, but his offensive game is as good as any center in the game. Left out Duncan and Garnett because they were PFS most of their career

1. Howard

2. Bynum

3. Cousins

4.Marc Gasol

5.Marcin Gortat

6. Jefferson

7. Chandler

8. Lopez

9. Horford

10. Noah

 

[Holing JohnParticipant]

good picks

[steviechillzParticipant]

 Like the topic because it hasn’t been brought up in awhile!

 

Here’s Mine:

1) Dwight Howard

2) Andrew Bynum

3) Marc Gasol

4) Al Horford (When Healthy)

5) Demarcus Cousins

6) Roy Hibbert

7) Al Jefferson

8) Tyson Chandler

9) Brook Lopez

10) Joakim Noah

 

BTW I am not counting KG despite the recent switch to C

JUST MISSED: Greg Monroe, Marcin Gortat, Tim Duncan, Bogut

[Malik-UniversalParticipant]

 1.Dwight…..duh

2.Bynum….. double duh

3. Bogut….when healthy a monster

4. Marc Gasol

5. Big Al

6. Chandler 

7. Brook Lopez

8.DMC

9. Horford

10. Gortat

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

1. Andrew Bynum – For the first time in a long time, he’ll start the season 100% healthy and his knee will be strong. He’ll put up career numbers this year.

2. Dwight Howard – He’s coming off of major back surgery and won’t be ready to start the season. It’ll take some time for him to get into top form and gain chemistry with his new teammates, but he should take the top spot back. I’m personally expecting the best season of his career as  long as he’s 100%.

—

3. Kevin Garnett – He’s historically a power forward, but right now… He’s playing center. It’s rejuventated his career.

4. Tim Duncan – He’s still getting it done at both ends of the floor. He’s no longer the same dominant player, but he still plays the game the right way at both ends and produces.

5. Al Jefferson – He’s not a great defense presence nor does he get to the free-throw line, but he’s a beast offensively who you can run an offense through. He led the Jazz to the playoffs last season when nobody expected them to be there. Maybe they’d have been better competition to the Spurs if the Jazz shooters showed up. He’s a go-to player.

6. Roy Hibbert – When he’s demanding the ball and being aggressive at both ends, the Pacers are an elite level team. When he’s not, they’re just slightly above average.

7. Marc Gasol – He’s not always in great shape, but there’s no denying his size, strength and overall skill/unselfishness. When Zach Randolph is healthy playing beside him, he’s at his best.

8. Greg Monroe – He’ll probably be moved to the power forward eventually, but right now he’s a center and a very good one.

9. DeMarcus Cousins – His talent is undeniable, but he’s a foul machine and lacks maturity. He also shoots in the low to mid 40’s, which is annoying for how massive he is.

10. Brook Lopez – Can he stay healthy? That’s the main question I have. He’s not a great rebounder, but I think he’ll correct whatever issue he’s had lately and be at least respectable. People forget how good he is offensively.

—

Honorable mention

Andrew Bogut – When healthy, he’s the second best defensive big man in the NBA. And offensively, he has more skill than people think. IF he’s healthy, the Warriors are a playoff team.

Al Horford – He’s a very good player, but he has to return from the injury.

Marcin Gortat – I’m not buying it. He’s a good player, but let’s see how good he is now that Steve Nash is gone.

Tyson Chandler –  A very good defensive player when it comes to communicating, helping, etc but I think his man to man defense is overrated. Other than a dunk or a lob, you don’t have to defend him offensively.

Joakim Noah – He’s a hustle/high energy guy who’s good, but overrated. And now, he’s struggling with ankle injuries. He’s a great role player to have on your team, but he’s no star.

[JoeWolf1]

 I thought about putting KG too, but since he hasn’t played C for very long and I wasn’t sure if that would be his continued role this season I didn’t, but I agree with you putting him where you did. He was 19 and 10 while being the best pick and roll defender in the leauge during the playoffs last year, all at C.

 

[u mad broParticipant]

 Pekovic is going to make make all of you guys look stupid this year

[TEQU1LAParticipant]

Or make u look like the dumbest fanboy ever I guess time will tell.

 

[u mad broParticipant]

 true time will tell…. but calling someone a fanboy makes you look stupid right now.

[doubledribblerParticipant]

Center is a hard position to rank. I think after the top two it gets real dicey. My 4 through 6 are interchangeable. There are a lot of 4s that slide over to play the 5. A lot of guys that are really good on one side of the floor, but not the other. Quite a few guys playing out of position. The 10 I picked, I felt that 8 were very competent on both sides of the floor. A lot of the other guys I left off look good at moments, but probably have low IQs or seem to be too one dimensional.

My ranking is based mostly on what I last saw and guys and not so much of a prediction of this year. It’s my going into the season ranking.

1. Howard -dominate on both ends without having to force ball to him AND consistent.

2. Bynum -probably a better talent than Howard, but not consistent at all and immature on the floor.

3. M. Gasol -i think he’s a lot better than he looks at times, but it seems like there are times when team doesn’t spend enough time focusing on him and Z Bo on offense.

4. P. Gasol -starts as a 4, but when he plays the 5 is very effective. Not great defensively, but not poor either.

5. T. Duncan -The old guy is and has been a 5 for awhile now. Don’t let the numbers fool you. Doesn’t play much (which affects stats) because he doesn’t have to and to save for playoffs.

6. KG- I’m not sure he starts at center or how much he will play at center during the season, though I think he will be there a ton in the playoffs. The thing is that when he lines up at center he’s going to give you offense and defense and a lot of smart basketball.

7. Bogut – One of the most under utilized guys in the league. Probably not the same guy anymore though with the injuries piling up. I would probably put him 3rd if he was 100%, but I doubt he ever will be again.

8. Noah- A lot better than people realize. Always making plays that impact the game. Rebounds, blocks shots, excellent passer for position, can guard away from basket.

9. Horford – not really a center, but he plays there. playing out of position and with the Joe Johnson iso has probably stunted his growth (and Smith’s) quite a bit, but he’s productive and smart.

10. Tyson – like Noah, minus the passing and ability to play defense away from rim.

[doubledribblerParticipant]

I could not edit the post. I was going to add that I haven’t seen much of Monroe to know how good he is, but he seems to be moving to the 4. As far as this list goes, it makes me realize that the center position is dead. The top guy doesn’t have a post move and the number 2 guy only plays when he is in the mood and motivated. At Garnetts age, mileage and physical stature he would not be rejuvenated like he is now if he played in the 80s and 90s. It’s like his eyes light up and he sees all the scrubs he gets to face. Guys that don’t make you work on defense and ones that are going to jump at everything or are always out of position when you are on offense. Same for Duncan too. He should not be able to sustain these types of numbers. He’s older, played a ton of games, slow and the team keeps his mins low just to save him and he’s still eating up guys in the post at times as the 2nd and 3rd option.

[Tongue-Out-Like-23Participant]

1. Dwight Howard
2. Andrew Bynum
3. Andrew Bogut (When healthy)
4. DeMarcus Cousins
5. Marc Gasol
6. Al Jefferson
7. Roy Hibbert
8. Joakim Noah
9. Tyson Chandler
10. Brook Lopez

Just missed:
Marcin Gortat, Chris Kaman (Good for a double-double when healthy), Greg Monroe (Don’t consider him a C), Al Horford (Don’t consider him a C)

[aamir543Participant]

1. Dwight Howard- No brainer, he’s easily the best overall, the bedst defensive bbig we’ve seen in a very long time, he has elite ahtleticism, crashes the boards like crazy, and can change the game without scoring. The problem is his post-up game, he’s not very polished and all of his points come from put-backs and dunks. There are about a half dozen centers in this league who are no doubt better offensive players, but his overall impact on both ends of the floor is what makes him the beast he is.

2. Andrew Bynum- Another No Brainer, he learned from one of the game’s best in Kareem, he’s incredibly sound fundamentaly and uses his size to his advantage, he’s not extremely mobile but he’s no stiff either, he’s strong and can back you down, and he has an array of moves that combined with his size is impossible to stop. He’s gonna put up 26 and 11 this season and lead Philly to a top 4 seed, maybe not a top tier contender but Bynum will dominate the offensive end.

3. DeMarcus Cousins- My bet to top this list in 2 years and become one of the top 10 greatest centers of All-Time(yes, I think he’s that good) He’s so skilled, it’s unfathomable that a 21 year old has that talent level, he’s gonna be only 22 this season and is coming off a season where he averaged 18 and 11 in 30 minutes per game, stats that rival Dwight’s and Bynum’s. He’s so strong and is overpowering when facing up and driving to the basket. He has athleticism as well, and if he can stay on the floor a little more, and have a little better shot selection, I see no reason why he can’t put up 22 and 13 on 48% shooting from the field and once again lead the league in offensive rebounds. I have very high expections for this man.

4. Marc Gasol- Not as skilled as his big bro, but still has a top post game, he can hit the mid-range jumper, and has exceptional passing ability for a big, and is an elite defender, he’s the guy that won’t light you up but will take advantage of every single one of your mistakes, and is an excellent rim protecter.

5. Al Jefferson- Arguably the most skilled big in the league, he uses his right hook for almost every shot, the one handed man. He can score really well, however is a pretty bad defender. But if it weren’t for the injury he had in 2009, he’d be even higher on this list, really underated in my opinion.

6. Andrew Bogut- When he’s healthy, he’s amazing, he can giv eyou 10 a game, grab 10 boards for you, and then do everything possible on the defensive end, he’s the second best defender in the league in my opinion(yes, ahead of Tyson Chandler), and if he can stay healthy, he’ll really help my dubs this season.

7. Joakim Noah- Basically everything I said about Bogut, he’s a gritty tough guy with a lot of heart, a guy you want on your team.

8. Tyson Chandler- Ok, I know this is a bit low but that doesn’t mean that he’s not a great defender. I would be fine with a list thaat had him as high as 4th, he’s athletic and the main reason after Dirk and Jason Terry they won the championship. This low ranking doesn’t mean he didn’t deserve being the DPOY. 

9. Al Horford- This is way too low for him, I know, the only reason I put him here is he was hurt the whole year and I’m not sure where to put him. He’s not a great defender so hes probably around 5th or 6th. He has  nice offensive game, grabs boards, isn’t an elite defender, and is playing out f position, but still a really good player.

10. Brook Lopez- Another player ranked lower because he has to comeback off of an injury. He’s in the same boat as Al Jefferson with even more potential, I can see hi averaging 25 ppg in the future, but his ability to grab boards is what holds him back, and he is also a pretty bad defender. But he is a very talented scorer, and 20 and 3 bigs don’t grow on trees.

 

 

[ConezdParticipant]

Monroe is NOT a center. Although skill wise he’s top 5 on the same list as these guys mentioned.

[FUNKYBUNCHParticipant]

1. D12
2. KG
3. Timmy! Duncan
4. Andrew Bynum
5. Al Jefferson
6. M. Gasol
7. D.Cousins
8. Al Horford
9. M.Gortat
10. B.Lopez                                                                                                                                                           Just missed:   R.Hibbert  A.Bogut  T.Chandler  J.Noah  C.Kaman  N.Pekovic                                            Players I consider more as PFs next year: G.Monroe  B.Bass  P.Gasol    

[wegarf33223Participant]

I like picks

[lalailaParticipant]

1. Howard

2. Bynum

3.DMC- im a big fan so even if i know he is around 5-6 but i really believe this season he will put up 20/12/3/2 numbers and will be more consistant

4.Al Horford – i see pretty nice year coming for him

5.Roy Hibbert

6.Al Jefferson

7.Brook Lopez

8.Marc Gasol

9.Greg Monroe

10.Bogut

 

[TallmanNYCParticipant]

I want my center to block shots and rebound. So I’m going to say that JaVale McGee is underrated if he isn’t getting mentioned even once in this thread. He rebounds better than a lot of guys on this list and blocks shots better than all of them. Coach Karl didn’t play him a ton of minutes last year so his per game stats aren’t high. But his Per 36 stats are All Star level (18 (on 61% shooting), 10 and 2.7 blocks once he came over to Denver). If he plays 35 minutes per night he will get mentioned on a thread like this next year. The guy is active and disruptive on defense and then finishes lobs on offense while basically getting out of everyone’s way and not needing touches.

And for the record, I’d much rather have him on the Nets as they are currently constructed than Lopez.

[rhofernParticipant]

1. Dwight Howard

2. Andrew Bynum

3. Marc Gasol

4. DeMarcus Cousins

5. Andrew Bogut

6. Roy Hibbert

7. Al Jefferson

8. Tyson Chandler

9. Greg Monroe

10. Al Horford

[Jlv2012]

1)  Cousins (18ppg, 11 rpg in 30 mins) 

2)  Whoever’s left over

[Bird_YearsParticipant]

I find it funny that almost no lists ever get thumbs up but often get negged huge, like Joe Wolf said, once you make one prepare to get negged.

[bobbybParticipant]

the" per 36 min" is meainingless. If you go by that, then Greg Steimsma is the best shot blocker in the league!

[Mr. 19134Participant]

This is. gonna get negged crazy but the top 5 Centers are Howard, Bynum, DMC, Marc Gasol andTyson Chandler. Chandlers defenseand offensive efficiency can’t b overlooked and Marc Gasol would put up monster numbers in the.Easrlt not having to share the ball wit Z Bo.

By the end of the year Anthony Davis will be a top 10 center because he ill be playing a lot of Center this year and he will flash dominance. I think C is Davis best position and in time people will realize it too.

[ENOGSIWONdede]

 a lot of idiots on here ever heard of anderson varejeao? clear top 10 guy and not one mention

[F_S]

 HOLY SH….. 

is that mr.19134!!!!!!!!!!!… i was just talking about you in another thread. where the F you been???? post more dude, you’re a favorite poster

.

we still think hold the same view on davis and his C status.

[builttoughParticipant]

 Joakim Noah- Basically everything I said about Bogut, he’s a gritty tough guy with a lot of heart, a guy you want on your team.

[LerinErinParticipant]

 What exactly do you mean everything you said about Bogut???? Just got caught with your hand in cookie jar. Smh

[EDEDnowisgone]

 All the idiots in this thread buried Anderson Varejeao dominating the league a lock for the all star game

[Author]

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