NBA Top Centers: When compared to the rest of the league, the NBA top centers position is particularly top-heavy, meaning some of the greatest players the game has to offer are towards the top of the group. The obvious choices for the top positions are reigning MVP Joel Embiid and Finals MVP Nikola Jokic, both of whom have had historic seasons in and of themselves.
The remaining players on the list are more difficult to order when compared to the other starting top centers in the NBA. We are here to help relieve some of that pressure, so that is why. Let’s conclude our 2023–24 positional rankings in a fun and engaging manner without further ado.
Ranking 15 NBA Top Centers For The Season 2023–2024
The 15 top centers for the 2023–2024 NBA season are listed below.
1. Nikola Jokic
Nikola Jokic dominated the NBA top centers rankings going into the 2023–24 season because of his performance in both the regular season and the playoffs. At the NBA top centers position, there was simply no player better or more helpful to his team’s success than Nikola Jokic as a passer, playmaker, and scorer. While he nearly averaged a triple-double during the regular season, his postseason performance was even greater as he guided the Nuggets to their first title in team history.
Jokic led the Nuggets to a championship run by averaging 30.0 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game throughout the NBA playoffs. Jokic broke down defences with nearly effortless ease, finding teammates for simple baskets while also frequently making them himself. Seeing defences perplexed and confused by his brilliance was almost funny, and despite the fact that he doesn’t look the part, he immediately received the national attention he deserved.
The Denver Nuggets should be viewed as the favourites to repeat as NBA champs as long as Nikola Jokic is fit and on the floor. It has been demonstrated that Jokic will always find a way to get through a defence that is thrown his way and help his side win. Jokic has already far beyond expectations for his NBA career, making him the best second-round choice in league history. Though he is only 28 years old, he is far from finished adding additional hardware to his trophy case.
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2. Joel Embiid
The NBA’s current MVP not being rated first at their position may sound absurd, but with NBA top centers, an exception has to be made. With 33.1 points per game on 54.8% shooting, Joel Embiid enjoyed the finest season of his career in 2022–23, leading the NBA in scoring for the second consecutive year. The most amazing thing about Embiid’s scoring feat was that he returned to his most effective offensive strategies, including his mid-range shot and his renowned back-to-the-basket style.
What Embiid offers as a defender has grown to be the most underappreciated aspect of his game. For the second consecutive year, Embiid averaged at least 1.0 steals and 1.5 blocks per game and narrowly missed being named to the All-Defensive Team. For a Philadelphia club that is in dire need of an inside force on that side of the ball, Embiid’s defensive effort was a pleasant sight.
You can argue that because the 76ers lost in the NBA playoffs, EMbiid “did not deserve” MVP, but the MVP award is granted during the regular season, so deal with it. Embiid will once more put the 76ers in contention for first place in the Eastern Conference regardless of the whereabouts of James Harden. He is one of the most powerful forces in the NBA, and the only other center saves the one in the first place who has a claim to the title.
3. Bam Adebayo
The 2022–23 season dispelled any lingering questions about Bam Adebayo’s position as a center in the NBA. We have always known that Adebayo is one of the NBA’s top defenders, especially during the previous four seasons. He is capable of really defending each of the five places on the floor, and if he focuses on just one, they are doomed for 48 minutes.
Even when facing the most formidable opponents, Adebayo modified his game in 2022–2023 by including an aggressive component that had never before been seen from him. The sixth-year big man averaged a career-high 20.4 points per game during the regular season on a career-high 54.0% of his shots. This carried slightly into the postseason as he was regularly had to step in for Jimmy Butler and other players when they weren’t performing, which helped them get to their second NBA Finals appearance since 2020.
Behind Butler, Adebayo is unquestionably the Heat’s second-best player, and he is the only one with such a wide and potent defensive repertoire. There’s no reason the Heat can’t return to the NBA Finals if Bam can keep utilising his scoring tools and play defensively at a Defensive Player of the Year calibre on the other end. I am confidently done questioning their collective effectiveness.
4. Domantas Sabonis
Domantas Sabonis was dealt to Sacramento in 2022 with the intention of elevating the Kings alongside De’Aaron Fox after spending five seasons with the Pacers and developing his all-around game during that time. That’s exactly what happened in 2022–2023, Sabonis’ first full season with the organisation, as the pair earned berths on the All-Star NBA team and guided the Kings to their first postseason trip in 17 years.
With 12.3 rebounds per game and 7.3 assists per game on top of that, Sabonis led the NBA and was instrumental in the turnaround of the team. Sabonis’ offensive skill, which was driven by the pick-and-roll offence he would run with the guards of Sacramento, notably Fox, made him one of the best big men in basketball when you take into account his 19.1 points per game on 61.5% shooting.
Since Chris Webber and Mike Bobby wore the purple and black in the early 2000s, Sabonis has assisted the Kings and their supporters in reviving the enthusiasm in their arena. If Sabonis maintains his performance from 2022 to 2023, this squad will be a legitimate challenger for a championship in the not-too-distant future.
5. Rudy Gobert
Even though Rudy Gobert has only been a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves for one season, I get that most fans want to write him off. However, I’m here to explain why that is a cop-out. Did the Timberwolves overpay to acquire him in the deal with Utah? Yes. Although Rudy Gobert had a “down season” in Minnesota in 2022–2023, is he still one of the best centres in the NBA? Yes, also. Both statements may be accurate at once.
Because of his shot-blocking prowess, ability to read plays, and timing in being in the right place at the right time, Gobert is still one of the finest interior defenders in basketball despite having a poor defensive rating. Even if Gobert is less efficient than he previously was at stopping the pick-and-roll, his production as a stationary paint defender or even off-the-ball assisting from the weak side is still among the best in the NBA.
Given the attention Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards are receiving, the Timberwolves are under enormous pressure to try to unleash Gobert’s potential on the offensive end of the court. Gobert has excellent rim protection, but he needs to figure out how to take control of the situation in the post rather than waiting for opportunities to present themselves. The French big man may make another All-Star appearance with even a minor improvement to that aspect of his game, and the Timberwolves might get past the first round.
6. Deandre Ayton
Deandre Ayton has received a lot of criticism for his play over the past year or so, but my assessment of him as a potential NBA top-five centers has not altered. Ayton has a very good touch around the basket for a centre and can make proficient mid to medium-range jump shots when given the opportunity.
Ayton may occasionally show some timidity while going for rebounds and playing defence, but he more than makes up for it on the floor. He has demonstrated as a defender the ability to step out on smaller strikers and compete on the outside. In order to get more possessions for his team, he has been much more active offensively in following his teammates’ shots as well as his own.
In 2023–24, the Suns’ offence will be steered by Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, therefore if Ayton stays with the team, he may end up being the most crucial player on the squad. Ayton makes averaging a double-double of 18.0 points appear virtually effortless, which convinces me that he can easily become a 20/10 player with a little more focus. That may be around the corner in this potent offence and show to be the championship-winning component Phoenix is lacking.
7. Jarrett Allen
Jarrett Allen played his first three NBA seasons in Brooklyn with the Nets, but since joining the Cavaliers in 2021, he has reached a new level of performance. Averaging career-highs in points and rebounds while shooting 67.7% from the field, he made his first All-Star appearance in 2022. Allen was equally as productive for a Cavaliers team that had championship ambitions, despite the fact that his 2022–23 season would indicate that he had somewhat regressed.
As an inside defender and rebounder for the Cavaliers, Allen is crucial to their overall strategy. While waiting for Evan Mobley to improve in that area over the past two seasons, Allen has demonstrated an even better potential as an interior scorer. Although his defence and rebounding continue to be his most valuable skills, it is always good to be able to make an offensive contribution as well.
Allen has established himself as the most proficient lob threat for guards Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell, in addition to being an offensive rebounder. Averaging between 14.0 and 16.0 points per game has been a major help to Cleveland’s offence, and he has shot over 64.0% in each of his previous two seasons. As they enter their second season with coach J.B. Bickerstaff, Mitchell handling the ball with Garland, and Allen on the verge of another All-Star participation.
8. Brook Lopez
Brook Lopez showed that he was comfortable travelling back in time with one of the finest 2022–23 seasons for a center. The finest aspect of Lopez’s remarkable 2022–23 season was his superb inside defence, which at times gave him the impression that he was the cornerstone of the Bucks’ ascent to the top seed in the East. Giannis was their MVP and, as we all know, came very close to winning the league MVP, but Lopez made a huge contribution to their success as well.
The fact that Lopez recorded 2.5 blocks per game, good for first place on the NBA leaderboard, and was nearly named defensive player of the year was not enough to explain Lopez’s accomplishments. Additionally, Lopez’s scoring average of 15.9 per game was his highest since the 2016–17 season, when he played for the Nets. Without a doubt, Lopez will continue to perform admirably in 2023–2024, but historical trends indicate that he is far more likely to suffer than to remain the same or improve.
However, Lopez’s capacity as a nightmarish inside presence for rivals as well as a more than capable three-point shooter offers Milwaukee a sizable advantage going into 2023–24. Even the best centers in the game can be slowed down by Lopez, but he can also make them uneasy on defence by drawing them farther out from the paint than they’d want. He will undoubtedly have another season deserving of his current placement in the top ten, in my opinion.
9. Myles Turner
It’s a little difficult to imagine that Myles Turner, who is only 27 years old, still has his finest years in front of him. Turner, one of the NBA’s top center two-way players, now has the supporting cast in Indiana to help him reach his full potential on the court. Turner consistently ranks among the NBA’s top shot blocks while also offering excellent offence, and the 2022–23 season suggested that the best may yet be to come.
Turner took advantage of his good health and his newly discovered teammates’ pass-first playing styles in 2022–2023, the first season since 2020 in which he was able to play more than 60 games. Last season, he shot a career-high 54.8% from the floor and averaged a game-high 18.0 points. Turner did not have to worry about extending his game to the perimeter as much last season thanks to strong guard play, and it paid off handsomely even though he shoots threes for a 37.3% clip.
One of the main reasons why so many supporters are anticipating a surge in the rankings is Turner’s role on the Pacers this season. He will continue to serve as their defensive cornerstone, but now that he and Tyrese Haliburton have a good rapport, he appears to be enjoying the game once again. My main concern is how long it will take before trade rumours start to circulate if Turner or the Pacers experience a slump in their season.
10. Jonas Valanciunas
For the past several seasons, I have publicly argued that Jonas Valanciunas is the most underappreciated big guy in basketball. Over the past two seasons, Valanciunas has been a crucial component for the New Orleans Pelicans, and he will continue to be so in 2023–24 and beyond.
As a rebounder, defender, and inside scorer, Valanciunas is incredibly useful. Over the past four seasons, he has averaged 14.0 to 18.0 points per game along with at least 10.0 rebounds per game. We know he is dependable with the ball in his hands in the paint because he also shoots 56.1% for his career.
For the Pelicans heading into 2023–2024, the health of stars Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson is their top concern. Following a season in which he played in 79 games, they do not need to be concerned about Valanciunas representing them. Valanciunas will need to be a little bit more effective offensively while putting in the same amount of effort on defence if the Pelicans are to live up to the expectations that their supporters and other members of the NBA community have for them.
11. Alperen Sengun
It is no secret that I think highly of Houston Rockets’ third-year center Alperen Sengun. How else could you be? Sengun, who spent the summer working with Hakeem Olajuwon, made a significant improvement between his rookie season and his second season in Houston. He improved significantly in the post and showed a level of maturity and patience with the ball in his hands that most players do not reach until their fourth or fifth seasons.
When Sengun reaches his prime, he will have all the tools necessary to rank among the top centers in the NBA. You know, you don’t get the moniker “Baby Jokic” for nothing. He is already more adaptable as a scorer and defender than any other center I have mentioned so far, and he could well be the best passer at the position outside of Jokic himself.
I anticipate Sengun to be on the cusp of winning his maiden All-Star appearance in 2023–2024 thanks to the adoption of a new system and new staff in Houston. Ime Udoka will undoubtedly improve on what Stephen Silas did not see in him, just like he did with the team he had in Boston in 2022. The Rockets won’t become a playoff club overnight, but if Sengun once more shows overall growth, you can guarantee that they will be far closer than expected.
12. Clint Capela
Every NBA team hopes they could have Clint Capela on their roster because he is one of those centers. He is a conventional, old-school big whose primary goals are defence, rebounding, and explosive rim-scorching. Alongside a point guard like Trae Young, Capela continues to thrive for the Atlanta Hawks, providing all of these qualities and more.
In each of his previous three seasons with the Hawks, Capela has averaged a double-double because of Young’s willingness to utilise his big men. On offence, he blocks the lane and makes excellent free throws from the low post, but he is limited in how far he can move without drastically losing effectiveness. He is one of the NBA’s harder defensive opponents, with an edge that makes it challenging to take the upper hand.
As crucial as any previous season in his career, Capela’s next campaign with the Hawks is critical. When it comes to how the big man fits into Atlanta’s scheme and what they are aiming for as a team, it is time for him to put up or shut up. We may see him dealt at any time if his offensive production plateaus and his defensive play even marginally deteriorates. I think he will stay with the Hawks and help them return to being one of the NBA’s more competitive teams if he improves in any of those areas.
13. Ivica Zubac
In terms of his overall performance, Ivica Zubac had the best season of his career for the Clippers in 2022–23. When none of the Clippers’ two stars were present or neither were on the court, Zubac led the team, setting career highs in points, rebounds, and blocks.
Zubac made it clear that he would always follow his actions no matter the consequences. On both sides of the court, he has a keen sense for the ball. When playing attack, he assists his side in gaining possessions and routinely shuts them down when playing defence. He is a highly aggressive rebounder. In 2022–23, he significantly boosted his threat to score on the offensive by learning how to better read his teammates and position himself.
The 26-year-old will need to play with and with as much intensity as this going into a crucial season for the Clippers in 2023–24. Paul George and Kawhi Leonard’s health are the focus of attention, so Zubac gets an opportunity to lead the club without them once more. Zubac keeps getting overlooked by his teammates and the NBA media with every passing play and triumph. That will finish in a monster year for the big guy from Bosnia and Herzegovina, in my opinion.
14. Nic Claxton
One player for the other New York club was reliable over the course of the Brooklyn Nets’ inconsistent season. Because of his 9.2 RPG, 0.9 SPG, and 2.5 BPG throughout the course of the season, Nic Claxton came close to winning the Defensive Player of the Year title and helped the Nets hold onto their playoff spot even after the departures of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
Claxton developed into a shot-altering specialist who had opponents’ offences adjust their game plans around him in addition to becoming an enthusiastic shot blocker. In addition to his outstanding defence, Claxton led the NBA in field goal percentage (70.5% on 7.7) and averaged a career-high 12.6 points per game. With his obvious development as a big man in the NBA, Claxton improved his importance with Brooklyn and will be their most crucial player in 2023–24 together with Mikal Bridges.
Although Claxton’s offensive performance can surely be improved, 12.0 to 15.0 points per game are about as consistent as a NBA centers can be these days. When paired with his chances of being named to the All-Defensive Team at the end of the season, he could even be able to claim to be one of the best two-way bigs in the NBA. I believe Claxton will be the key to the Nets’ success this season, which might possibly result in another trip to the postseason in the tough Eastern Conference. Do you think it’s possible that he’ll soon have an All-Star season?
15. Walker Kessler
The development of Utah Jazz youngster Walker Kessler as a formidable inside defender was one of the season’s more welcome shocks in 2022–23. For Utah, which ended the season fourth in the NBA, Kessler averaged 2.3 blocks per game in 74 appearances. In terms of total blocks, he came in fourth with 173, 20 behind the NBA’s top blocker Brook Lopez.
Kessler excelled at snatching rebounds and converting baskets in the paint. Given that he averaged 9.2 points per game but converted on 72.0% of his tries, it would not be a bad idea to start feeding the big guy a little more and getting him more involved in their offensive. The Utah Jazz’s rebuild has moved forward a little faster than anticipated, so Kessler must continue to perform in his role as the NBA team’s big man in the centers, assisting supporters and management in quickly forgetting the Rudy Gobert era.
I don’t expect Kessler to take Utah to the playoffs or anything like in year two. However, I’ll be aiming for a fantastic defensive showing while also making small attacking improvements. Utah will again surprise many NBA fans and analysts in 2023–24 if these two things go place.
Ranking 15 NBA Top Centers For The Season 2023–2024. Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
