Who is the best Center in the league?

 Dwight is still the best Center in the league. he plays both ends of the floor at a high level.

Boogie and Big Al are offensively skilled, especially Boogie, but they dont play defense like Dwight.

Noah is such a versatile center and provides alot of intangibles, but Dwight still one-ups him in alot of categories.

Dwight gets alot of hate, but people are starting to underrate him now.
 

 Dwight is still the best Center in the league. he plays both ends of the floor at a high level.

Boogie and Big Al are offensively skilled, especially Boogie, but they dont play defense like Dwight.

Noah is such a versatile center and provides alot of intangibles, but Dwight still one-ups him in alot of categories.

Dwight gets alot of hate, but people are starting to underrate him now.
 

 Dwight Howard is still the best center in the league… 

 Dwight Howard is still the best center in the league… 

 If Jordan is in consideration, then so should Drummond. 

 If Jordan is in consideration, then so should Drummond. 

 Dwight is the best center.  I’d put Noah 2nd, he’s been amazing this year.  I’ll take what he brings to the game, including his intangibles, over Cousins.

 Dwight is the best center.  I’d put Noah 2nd, he’s been amazing this year.  I’ll take what he brings to the game, including his intangibles, over Cousins.

Dwight is great, but has lost some explosion since his back issues. Noah is a fantastic play maker, rebounder and defender. Not going to score much but he’s a great fit with any team with a ball dominant wing because of his passing and unselfish nature. 

Dwight is great, but has lost some explosion since his back issues. Noah is a fantastic play maker, rebounder and defender. Not going to score much but he’s a great fit with any team with a ball dominant wing because of his passing and unselfish nature. 

 Just a few impressive stats.

Noah is the only center this year who’s tallied a triple double, and he has 4 which ties him for 2nd in the league with Steph Curry.

Post ASG, Noah has averaged 7 apg

 Just a few impressive stats.

Noah is the only center this year who’s tallied a triple double, and he has 4 which ties him for 2nd in the league with Steph Curry.

Post ASG, Noah has averaged 7 apg

Roy Hibbert has effectively played himself out of this conversation

April: 7 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 31% shooting…

Roy Hibbert has effectively played himself out of this conversation

April: 7 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 31% shooting…

The current group of centers is pretty weak.  Dwight still can’t post up.  He has no idea what to do with the ball when he can’t dunk it.  Noah is a great player, but his jumper is so ugly even Sean Marion smiles.  Hibbert was stiff, then broke out of it, and now he’s a stiff again…what happened?

Compared to the centers from 20 years ago, this is a very weak group.

The current group of centers is pretty weak.  Dwight still can’t post up.  He has no idea what to do with the ball when he can’t dunk it.  Noah is a great player, but his jumper is so ugly even Sean Marion smiles.  Hibbert was stiff, then broke out of it, and now he’s a stiff again…what happened?

Compared to the centers from 20 years ago, this is a very weak group.

Noah and Gasol are in my opinion the best two centers when you factor in both ends of the court. I’m leaning toward Noah more because Gasol missed a lot of game this year, but Gasol has better scoring skills (though he’s not asked to that much), Noah is more athletic and versatile on defense.

Noah and Gasol are in my opinion the best two centers when you factor in both ends of the court. I’m leaning toward Noah more because Gasol missed a lot of game this year, but Gasol has better scoring skills (though he’s not asked to that much), Noah is more athletic and versatile on defense.

The center position is as deep as any other position other than point guard and power forward. 

Dwight and Noah head up the list.  But Big Roy and Cousins are probably right behind them. 

It seems like just about every team has a solid center.  There are even some good backups now.  Can’t wait for Joel Embiid and then the big men from the 2015 draft. 

You just can’t compare every center to Wilt or Russell or Kareem or Hakeem or Shaq.  Maybe we won’t have another one of those guys for awhile.  Maybe this isn’t the league for centers who average 25 points and 12 rebounds on an unlimited amount of post-ups.  Few guys average 25 these days, with fewer unobstructed post-up opportunities. 

The center position is as deep as any other position other than point guard and power forward. 

Dwight and Noah head up the list.  But Big Roy and Cousins are probably right behind them. 

It seems like just about every team has a solid center.  There are even some good backups now.  Can’t wait for Joel Embiid and then the big men from the 2015 draft. 

You just can’t compare every center to Wilt or Russell or Kareem or Hakeem or Shaq.  Maybe we won’t have another one of those guys for awhile.  Maybe this isn’t the league for centers who average 25 points and 12 rebounds on an unlimited amount of post-ups.  Few guys average 25 these days, with fewer unobstructed post-up opportunities. 

i believe there are a couple centers you could add to this list, especially if you are considering the projected productivity for a player next year. within the limits of this list, i’ll put my order accordingly to this year only.

also i would like to add that there are a lot of good centers in the league, but imo, there is not a center on this list that i would consider a top 10 player. (just my opinion) if jack sikma were prime playing today, he would join this debate. there are no prime shaqs or hakeems or even prime alonzo mournings or patrick ewings today.

tier 1

joakim noah – he has been playing perfect team ball, great defensively (my dpoy), and has been the best passing paint player in the league this year. he has also lead the bulls to turn it around into a winning season and has been the most complete center this year.

dwight howard – still a monster defender, and still among the best centers in the league. he might be the most talented center in the league and could be the best next year, but howard must keep his head strong if he wants to continue being on the top going forward. i could make a case howard is the best this year, but i would give the edge to noah.

marc gasol – he’s very skilled and the heart and soul of the grizzlies. they struggled without him. a few games after molding him in the lineup again and the grizzlies were back on the winning track. gasol might not be the best center this year, but i could definitely make a case that of the centers on the list, he could be the best one to build around.

demarcus cousins – he should be without a doubt the top player on this list. there is not a paint player in the league that is as nasty as cousins. until the kings start winning more and until he stops being a knuckle head, he will not be on the top of this list. one on one he could take on anyone on this list. the issue is he can’t stay on the court and out of trouble, so you can’t ever count on him to play a full season-and it’s not because of injury! 16 techs-really?

tier 2

al Jefferson – he’s had a lot of heat for his defense in the past. but his offense has been fantastic and charlotte has not been terrible defensively this year, and they are on their way to the playoffs with a lot having to do with the play of al jefferson. imo, he’s been underrated for a couple years. he’s not the greatest player or defender, but nobody is really stopping him and he has shown improvement. i know i had an unpopular opinion last off season in the idea of okc using the amnesty for perkins and try to sign jefferson, but i still stand by that idea. it would not have been the best fit in the world, but i believe it could have worked and would improve okc’s chances even more. that’s just me though.

deandre Jordan – i didn’t expect to put this guy this high this year. doc rivers has made deandre a tougher competitor. no he still can’t shoot free throws, but neither does howard. and deandre jordan to me is a poor man’s dwight howard. i wouldn’t sneeze at the thought of him being more productive than howard in a couple years. the combination of his strength, jump, ability to run the floor, and improved rebounding and defense are all nba elite level parts of his game. if he can only shoot!

roy hibbert – finishes last on this list due to the what have you done for me lately factor. he’s about as good as healthy marc gasol when Indiana is going full throttle. the issue for me is Indiana has been losing lately and if i had to put the blame somewhere, it would have to be pointing mostly in roy hibbert’s direction. his terrible play and dare i say terrible attitude about it within the last month have him this low on the list. he’s a legit force to be reckoned with, but that’s when he’s on his game. right now he’s garbage. over the year he’s as good as the other 2 in this tier.

i believe there are a couple centers you could add to this list, especially if you are considering the projected productivity for a player next year. within the limits of this list, i’ll put my order accordingly to this year only.

also i would like to add that there are a lot of good centers in the league, but imo, there is not a center on this list that i would consider a top 10 player. (just my opinion) if jack sikma were prime playing today, he would join this debate. there are no prime shaqs or hakeems or even prime alonzo mournings or patrick ewings today.

tier 1

joakim noah – he has been playing perfect team ball, great defensively (my dpoy), and has been the best passing paint player in the league this year. he has also lead the bulls to turn it around into a winning season and has been the most complete center this year.

dwight howard – still a monster defender, and still among the best centers in the league. he might be the most talented center in the league and could be the best next year, but howard must keep his head strong if he wants to continue being on the top going forward. i could make a case howard is the best this year, but i would give the edge to noah.

marc gasol – he’s very skilled and the heart and soul of the grizzlies. they struggled without him. a few games after molding him in the lineup again and the grizzlies were back on the winning track. gasol might not be the best center this year, but i could definitely make a case that of the centers on the list, he could be the best one to build around.

demarcus cousins – he should be without a doubt the top player on this list. there is not a paint player in the league that is as nasty as cousins. until the kings start winning more and until he stops being a knuckle head, he will not be on the top of this list. one on one he could take on anyone on this list. the issue is he can’t stay on the court and out of trouble, so you can’t ever count on him to play a full season-and it’s not because of injury! 16 techs-really?

tier 2

al Jefferson – he’s had a lot of heat for his defense in the past. but his offense has been fantastic and charlotte has not been terrible defensively this year, and they are on their way to the playoffs with a lot having to do with the play of al jefferson. imo, he’s been underrated for a couple years. he’s not the greatest player or defender, but nobody is really stopping him and he has shown improvement. i know i had an unpopular opinion last off season in the idea of okc using the amnesty for perkins and try to sign jefferson, but i still stand by that idea. it would not have been the best fit in the world, but i believe it could have worked and would improve okc’s chances even more. that’s just me though.

deandre Jordan – i didn’t expect to put this guy this high this year. doc rivers has made deandre a tougher competitor. no he still can’t shoot free throws, but neither does howard. and deandre jordan to me is a poor man’s dwight howard. i wouldn’t sneeze at the thought of him being more productive than howard in a couple years. the combination of his strength, jump, ability to run the floor, and improved rebounding and defense are all nba elite level parts of his game. if he can only shoot!

roy hibbert – finishes last on this list due to the what have you done for me lately factor. he’s about as good as healthy marc gasol when Indiana is going full throttle. the issue for me is Indiana has been losing lately and if i had to put the blame somewhere, it would have to be pointing mostly in roy hibbert’s direction. his terrible play and dare i say terrible attitude about it within the last month have him this low on the list. he’s a legit force to be reckoned with, but that’s when he’s on his game. right now he’s garbage. over the year he’s as good as the other 2 in this tier.

 I take Noah every time

 I take Noah every time

Can tell Big Cuz is the best C. Uhh hello. 23 and 12 nuff said. But. I will continue. He does not get in ‘trouble’. He only has 1 more tech the KD. Teammates like him. Coach, city and fans love him. He can’t help it if his organization was terrible until now. Just think if he was on Chi, Ind, Ho, LAC ..etc.. Also his defense is improving – 1.5 blocks and leads amongst C on taking charges. Over 3 assists a game. Do y’all know basketball.

Can tell Big Cuz is the best C. Uhh hello. 23 and 12 nuff said. But. I will continue. He does not get in ‘trouble’. He only has 1 more tech the KD. Teammates like him. Coach, city and fans love him. He can’t help it if his organization was terrible until now. Just think if he was on Chi, Ind, Ho, LAC ..etc.. Also his defense is improving – 1.5 blocks and leads amongst C on taking charges. Over 3 assists a game. Do y’all know basketball.

 Dwight Howard might be the best center in the league by popular opinion. However, I’d still prefer to have Marc Gasol or Joakim Noah on my team over him.

 Dwight Howard might be the best center in the league by popular opinion. However, I’d still prefer to have Marc Gasol or Joakim Noah on my team over him.

Dwight Howard can and at times been neutralized by guys that can push him away from the basket. Hack a Howard is also a huge factor not being able to stay on the court in important moments or at the end of the games. 

Dwight Howard can and at times been neutralized by guys that can push him away from the basket. Hack a Howard is also a huge factor not being able to stay on the court in important moments or at the end of the games. 

 It is hard to say at this point. For as dominant Dwight can be at times esp definsively if I was able to get my hands on Demarcus Cousins I would do it in a heartbeat.

But Center is becoming like the PF position. You can make a case for too many players where the answer is no longer definitive.

If you want Dwight for his defense and Athleticism someone can easily counter argue that D. Cousins sheer offensive dominance at times, talent level and age makes him a better option. Are Marc Gasol and Noah’s ability to pass out of double teams, IQ, and defensive acumen make them better. Or Drummonds age, ability to rebound that reminds me of Rodman at times make it seem like pretty soon the league is his.

Just like at PF. Someone may say Blake is the best in the game but then you got Kevin Love who athletically isn’t as dominant as griffin but his ability to stretch the floor, box out to get his rebounds, and make the outlet pass make him better. Or you could say their lack of defense make Anthony Davis or Tim Duncan better. Every position is getting stacked in the NBA right now. It’ll be fun to see who make their claims as the best players in the NBA in 5 years.

 It is hard to say at this point. For as dominant Dwight can be at times esp definsively if I was able to get my hands on Demarcus Cousins I would do it in a heartbeat.

But Center is becoming like the PF position. You can make a case for too many players where the answer is no longer definitive.

If you want Dwight for his defense and Athleticism someone can easily counter argue that D. Cousins sheer offensive dominance at times, talent level and age makes him a better option. Are Marc Gasol and Noah’s ability to pass out of double teams, IQ, and defensive acumen make them better. Or Drummonds age, ability to rebound that reminds me of Rodman at times make it seem like pretty soon the league is his.

Just like at PF. Someone may say Blake is the best in the game but then you got Kevin Love who athletically isn’t as dominant as griffin but his ability to stretch the floor, box out to get his rebounds, and make the outlet pass make him better. Or you could say their lack of defense make Anthony Davis or Tim Duncan better. Every position is getting stacked in the NBA right now. It’ll be fun to see who make their claims as the best players in the NBA in 5 years.

 I’d say Marc gasol is the best center because he can play both ends of the floor, and can pass and shoot as well. Look at how bad the grizzlies were without him.  Hibbert is overrated imo

 I’d say Marc gasol is the best center because he can play both ends of the floor, and can pass and shoot as well. Look at how bad the grizzlies were without him.  Hibbert is overrated imo

Couple things:

– Dwight Howard is an outstanding fundamental defender who knows how to rotate and defend the PnR. By contrast, while explosive, Deandre Jordan has always been a little behind the pace on the defensive end, with late rotations, and getting caught in No Man’s Land.

– Advanced stats have Demarcus Cousins as a plus defender this year. According to RPM, for an example, the Kings’ D would be a lot worse off with a replacement level defender at the 5. This, combined with his league’s bigs pacing offensive ability makes his bad shot selection his only obstacle to becoming an elite, for-the-ages bigman.

– Roy Hibbert is averaging 10.8 ppg and 6.6 boards off 44% shooting this year. People forget that he’s just a bad scorer and rebounder.

Couple things:

– Dwight Howard is an outstanding fundamental defender who knows how to rotate and defend the PnR. By contrast, while explosive, Deandre Jordan has always been a little behind the pace on the defensive end, with late rotations, and getting caught in No Man’s Land.

– Advanced stats have Demarcus Cousins as a plus defender this year. According to RPM, for an example, the Kings’ D would be a lot worse off with a replacement level defender at the 5. This, combined with his league’s bigs pacing offensive ability makes his bad shot selection his only obstacle to becoming an elite, for-the-ages bigman.

– Roy Hibbert is averaging 10.8 ppg and 6.6 boards off 44% shooting this year. People forget that he’s just a bad scorer and rebounder.

 I know Drummond is on a losing team and stats don’t tell the whole story, but surely if DeAndre Jordan is in this conversation, Drummond needs to be here too. 

Jordan is probably 4th or 5th option on offence for the clips and all he has to do is get garbage points and defend, which he does well. Drummonds role is similar but he gets more attention due to the fact that Detroit has absolutely no outside shooting. This season, Jordan is averaging 10.5pts, 13.7rebs and 2.5blks, and has 41 double doubles. Drummond in comparison is averaging 13.4pts, 13.2rebs and 1.6blks all the while being on a completely inept basketball team. And he’s totalled 56 double doubles out of 79 games! 

My point is, I think it’s easier for Jordan to look good on the clips than it is for Drummond on the pistons. And yet the stats are remarkably similar. If Jordan is being discussed as one of the best centres based on his production and intangibles, the Drummond is up there too.

 I know Drummond is on a losing team and stats don’t tell the whole story, but surely if DeAndre Jordan is in this conversation, Drummond needs to be here too. 

Jordan is probably 4th or 5th option on offence for the clips and all he has to do is get garbage points and defend, which he does well. Drummonds role is similar but he gets more attention due to the fact that Detroit has absolutely no outside shooting. This season, Jordan is averaging 10.5pts, 13.7rebs and 2.5blks, and has 41 double doubles. Drummond in comparison is averaging 13.4pts, 13.2rebs and 1.6blks all the while being on a completely inept basketball team. And he’s totalled 56 double doubles out of 79 games! 

My point is, I think it’s easier for Jordan to look good on the clips than it is for Drummond on the pistons. And yet the stats are remarkably similar. If Jordan is being discussed as one of the best centres based on his production and intangibles, the Drummond is up there too.

 Now, this is a very sensitive topic for me considering my favorite position is the 5 spot. Even though I’m a huge Laker fan, I have to admit that Dwight is still the best center in the league. Although the gap between he and number 2 isn’t that huge. I’ll get into that a little later. Dwight can still post up, I don’t understand what people are talking about. Yes, he has no advance moves, footwork, or even a counter move but he can post up believe me. He’s still a threat on the lob, pick and roll as he can finish well. He’s a defensive monster when he absolutely wants to be. Can stay in front of most guards in the leagues and protect the rim. Although, I have noticed that I rarely see him rebound or block shots at a pace that he was on in Orlando. I think, he’s still recovering from that back surgery but who knows. On to the 2nd best center in the league, Noah. The guy does everything it takes to win bar none. He defends, rebounds, executve plays and oh his passes remind me of the Gasol Brothers’ (two of the best passing big men in the game).  His shooting mechanics might be ugly but he make no mistake he shoots better at the Free throw line than Howard. Cousins and Big Al are very similar, they’re both the number one option on a bad team so it’s really up to your definition of success in rating them. Both are huge offensive threats that doesn’t really play defense nor are they considered elite level athletes. Jordan better thank based god for giving him Doc Rivers as a coach. The guy is so completely different from what I saw a year ago. He’s so consistent with that rebounding now (leads the NBA); he no longer carries ‘lob city’ as his identity which for me is good because it means he’s serious about ‘winning’ not just gimmicks and nicknames. His defense has also gotten a lot better. He just needs more touches down load; heard a rumor he was asking Doc for more but until he can work on his Free throws; that’s not happening. Roy Hibbert, well with this guy kind of regressed a bit hasn’t he? I think it had more to do with the emergence of Paul George than with anything else. I think he is a team player that doesn’t complain about touches as long as they win; which they have (No. 1 seed in the East) His rebounding is absolutely atrocious but when you have guys who are above average rebounders for their positons (Hill, Lance, George) and a established Power Forward (West) it will happen. At least the guy shows up when the team needs him; check his stats against the Heat. Now, I won’t even go in depth with Drummond; I’ve posted enough about him so let’s keep this short: Rebounds well; could lead the league in multiple seasons if he keeps out of foul trouble (only averages 32 MPG; second overall RPG and first ORPG); can post up on lesser and smaller big men; needs to settles down and concerntrate on his free throws; shows good form though. 

 Now, this is a very sensitive topic for me considering my favorite position is the 5 spot. Even though I’m a huge Laker fan, I have to admit that Dwight is still the best center in the league. Although the gap between he and number 2 isn’t that huge. I’ll get into that a little later. Dwight can still post up, I don’t understand what people are talking about. Yes, he has no advance moves, footwork, or even a counter move but he can post up believe me. He’s still a threat on the lob, pick and roll as he can finish well. He’s a defensive monster when he absolutely wants to be. Can stay in front of most guards in the leagues and protect the rim. Although, I have noticed that I rarely see him rebound or block shots at a pace that he was on in Orlando. I think, he’s still recovering from that back surgery but who knows. On to the 2nd best center in the league, Noah. The guy does everything it takes to win bar none. He defends, rebounds, executve plays and oh his passes remind me of the Gasol Brothers’ (two of the best passing big men in the game).  His shooting mechanics might be ugly but he make no mistake he shoots better at the Free throw line than Howard. Cousins and Big Al are very similar, they’re both the number one option on a bad team so it’s really up to your definition of success in rating them. Both are huge offensive threats that doesn’t really play defense nor are they considered elite level athletes. Jordan better thank based god for giving him Doc Rivers as a coach. The guy is so completely different from what I saw a year ago. He’s so consistent with that rebounding now (leads the NBA); he no longer carries ‘lob city’ as his identity which for me is good because it means he’s serious about ‘winning’ not just gimmicks and nicknames. His defense has also gotten a lot better. He just needs more touches down load; heard a rumor he was asking Doc for more but until he can work on his Free throws; that’s not happening. Roy Hibbert, well with this guy kind of regressed a bit hasn’t he? I think it had more to do with the emergence of Paul George than with anything else. I think he is a team player that doesn’t complain about touches as long as they win; which they have (No. 1 seed in the East) His rebounding is absolutely atrocious but when you have guys who are above average rebounders for their positons (Hill, Lance, George) and a established Power Forward (West) it will happen. At least the guy shows up when the team needs him; check his stats against the Heat. Now, I won’t even go in depth with Drummond; I’ve posted enough about him so let’s keep this short: Rebounds well; could lead the league in multiple seasons if he keeps out of foul trouble (only averages 32 MPG; second overall RPG and first ORPG); can post up on lesser and smaller big men; needs to settles down and concerntrate on his free throws; shows good form though. 

Along with his 4 triple double . He has like 7 more close triple doubles . 

Along with his 4 triple double . He has like 7 more close triple doubles .