The NBA may have become a position-less league these past few years, but the center position will continue to play a pivotal role on any team. With the arrival of mobile and rangy seven-footers, there’s no denying that low-post scoring has become a lost art. Still, there are few traditional big men who are racking up big numbers in a modern NBA.
NBA 2K18 recently released the rankings of the top centers in the NBA, and indeed the majority of today’s top-tier big men possess that long-range shot in their arsenals.
However, there are guys like Rudy Gobert, DeAndre Jordan, and Andre Drummond who are still effective at playing the power game. Here are the top-10 centers in the NBA based on their 2K18 ratings.
The Fearsome Five
No.10 – Brook Lopez (LAL, rating 84)
The Los Angeles Lakers center has adapted well to the modern game despite coming into the league as a traditional big man. Last season, Lopez shot 47 percent from the field and 35 percent from beyond the arc. He will have a huge role with the Lakers this season as the team’s primary scorer down-low.
No.9 – Andre Drummond (DET, rating 85)
Drummond is one of few traditional big men who is still thriving in a fast-paced league.
He has been an automatic double-double machine throughout his career, averaging 13.3 points, 12.9 rebounds and 1.5 blocks over five years in the league.
No.8 – Joel Embiid (PHI, rating 86)
Joel “The Process” Embiid could have received a much higher rating if he just stayed away from injuries. This year, the Sixers big man is expected to rack up bigger numbers after averaging 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game last season. Durability is still the biggest question mark for Embiid, who missed his first two seasons with a foot injury.
No.7 – Hassan Whiteside (MIA, rating 87)
A late bloomer, Whiteside continues to provide huge production for the Heat on the second year of a four-year, max deal he signed in 2016.
The former second-round pick missed the Heat’s last four games, but he’s expected to return from a minor knee injury soon.
No.6 – DeAndre Jordan (LAC, rating 87)
Rebounding and protecting the rim remains Jordan’s calling card, but he has shown great improvement on the offensive end as well. The athletic big man is currently leading the league in rebounds at 17 RPG.
The Finest Five
No.5 – Nikola Jokic (DEN, rating 88)
The Serbian forward has been an all-around marvel for the Nuggets in his first two seasons. Jokic averaged 13.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists while shooting 54 percent from the field and 35 percent from beyond the arc during the 2016-17 NBA season.
No.4 – Rudy Gobert (UTA, rating 88)
Gobert has been a tower of power for the Jazz on the defensive end, averaging 9.8 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in his career.
With the departure of All-Star Gordon Hayward, the Frenchman will have a much larger role in the Jazz’s offense this season.
No.3 – Marc Gasol (MEM, rating 89)
Gasol’s ability to adapt is simply incredible. After entering the league as a low-post operator, the Spanish big men has adapted well to the prevailing playing style. He's now shooting 40 percent from beyond the arc and expanding his range each season. Gasol will now be the heart and soul of this Grizzlies team following the departure of long-time bruise brother Zach Randolph to Sacramento.
No.2 – Karl Anthony-Towns (MIN, rating 91)
KAT’s rapid development has been fascinating to watch the last two seasons. Expectations will be higher for the former Rookie of the Year especially now that the Timberwolves are poised to make the playoffs for the first time in over a decade.
No.1 - DeMarcus Cousins (NOP, rating 92)
Boogie Cousins is a talented big man. However, in the realm of 2K18 where technical fouls come in rarity, Cousins is undoubtedly the most skilled center of all. He possesses a rare combination of inside scoring and feathery outside touch that makes him almost impossible to stop.