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Centre is probably the hardest position to play in basketball. No aspect of physicality is ever enough to survive at ’5′. You need to be big, strong, athletic, physical, not afraid of contact and most of all, learn to be durable.
They are also the ones who have to do pretty much everything. They need to be able to shoot, rebound, defend, set picks and these days, even pass the ball around. Some of the greatest players to have played this game have done it by playing as centres, because, despite all the changes this game has undergone over the years, I still stick by the old maxim “You can’t teach height”.
This list ranks the top 5 centres in the league right now. By right now, I mean post 2012-13 season and so, the 2012-13 season factors heavily. As always, this list reflects my opinion, and if you do not agree with any aspect of it, feel free to comment. Let’s get started.
I would have never thought that I would prefer watching the younger Gasol brother over the older one. He’s an all-round player, excellent at both sides of the court. He’s the anchor of the Grizzlies’ defence.
Marc had an incredible 2012-13 season, and he was rewarded with an NBA Defensive player of the year award. The Spaniard is the first European to win the award.
Marc can shoot, rebound, defend, pass, dunk, and can also play a good mid-range game. He has excellent footwork and post skills. He can also effectively close out opposing seven-footers. He was one of the key reasons why the Grizzlies reached Conference finals.
Marc averaged 14.1 Points 7.8 Rebs, 1.7 Blocks, 1 steal and 4 assists per game. His total of 318 assists is the highest among centres. He also shot 85% from the line and 49% from the field.
He effectively combines his size with soft hands, good court vision and incredible quickness. One of the main reasons why he made it to this list, is that he delivers exactly what his team needs at any given moment. At 28, Marc still has a lot of years left in him too.
When you think of Noah, you immediately think of his ferocious, animal-like appearance. In his case, appearances are not deceptive.
He’s probably the most physical centre on this list. He’s the heart and soul of the Bulls’ squad. This guy can defend, rebound, pass, score and block shots like crazy.
He has great hustle, energy and passion on the court. He’s one guy who’s hated by everybody who plays against him. His passion for the game makes him one of the best trash-talking centres in the league today. His 2012-13 season’s efforts earned him a spot on the All-Star Roster too.
His 2012-13 stats per game are as follows. 11.9 points, 11.1 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.1 blocks and 1.2 steals. He’s quite efficient, scoring at a healthy .481 from the field. He shot 75% from the line, not bad for a guy who probably has the funniest free throw form in the league right now (since Shaq retired). Noah is definitely a guy you want on your team, or at the very least, not on your opponents’.
Lopez has risen to be one of the best centres in the league and definitely deserved his spot on the All-Star Roster. He ranked no.1 in the PER among centers. Some might even say he was the best player on the Brooklyn Nets, and quite frankly, his stats definitely complement that statement.
Lopez is the best offensive centre in the league, period. This guy averaged 19.4 points while playing just 30 minutes per game (in order to combat injury). He also shot 52% from the field and at a respectable 78% from the free throw line. Lopez is also a terrific shot blocker, recording 2.1 blocks per game. He was the sole shot-blocker in the Nets’ frontline last season.
Lopez’s main cause for concern, probably his only cause for concern is rebounding. The big fella averaged just 6.9 rebs per game. He needs to crash the boards more effectively. Although his low no. of rebounds may also be due to his shortened time on the court. Lopez averages 8.2 rebounds per 36 minutes of a game and that is not that bad.
Lopez’s biggest asset is that he’s just 25. If he continues to be careful and doesn’t get injured, he might become the best centre in the league in a few years.
The former Lakers’ rebounding and shot-blocking phenom continues to be one of the league’s best defensive centers. He’s also one of the league’s most entertaining centres.
The gregarious centre was visibly affected by his back this season but still managed to stack up the stats. He averaged 17.1 points, 12.4 rebounds, 2.4 blocks, 1.1 steals and 1.4 assists per game, all at an efficient .578 shooting from the field. It remains to be seen whether he can improve his stats at Houston.
Howard was the rebounding champion for the fifth time last season. He can pretty much do everything on the defensive end. He’s one of the best stopper’s in the league.
He owes this ability in no small part to his immense frame. At 6′ 11″, he’s not the tallest guy in the league, but he can stop pretty much anybody at his will.
Howard’s problem is his offense. Sure, he averaged 17.1 points per game last season, but most of them came from under the rim or from his put-backs. Howard’s offense is limited, mainly due to his shooting range. This guy can’t score from anywhere over 10 feet, even when he’s left open.
If he amends that, he has all the potential to be one of the greatest centres of all time. After all, he’s only 27.
There has always been one question on my mind about Duncan. Is he a Power Forward or is he a Centre? In the past few seasons, Duncan has played more as a centre than as a power forward. That was as good a reason as any for me to write about him.
Duncan has grown older, and that has reduced his mobility and his speed. But he did something which is crucial for all the older players in all sports. He reinvented himself.
He cut down some muscle so he can doesn’t get exhausted by just carrying himself up and down the court. These days, he sticks closer to the paint (which means lesser bank shots, damn!) but has somehow continued to deliver in all the fundamental aspects of the game.
He rebounds, scores, passes and defends all at the only level of play Duncan knows: elite.
Duncan averaged 17.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.7 blocks, 2.7 assists per game at .502 shooting from the field. He’s second among centres in the player efficiency rating (PER), only behind Brook Lopez.
His post moves, defense, and presence on the field remain unparalleled even at the age of 37. Duncan’s play allowed the “veteran” filled Spurs to play yet another successful season reaching the NBA finals.
We do not know how much longer Duncan will play, but we do know one thing for sure; till his last game, Mr. Fundamental will continue to play at the elite level which we have all gotten used to seeing him in.
Guess the Lakers players!
