Who Are the Top Centers in the NBA Right Now? A 2024 Ranking Analysis
As I sit down to analyze the current landscape of NBA centers in 2024, I can't help but reflect on how much the position has evolved throughout my years covering basketball. The traditional back-to-the-basket big man has gradually given way to versatile players who can shoot threes, handle the ball, and defend multiple positions. This transformation makes ranking today's centers particularly challenging yet fascinating. Just last week, I was discussing this evolution with colleagues while reading about B.League's international initiatives, where executive officer Nao Okamoto revealed they're working with Asia's pioneering play-for-pay league for possible exhibition games featuring teams and players from both leagues. This global perspective reminds me that the center position's evolution isn't just happening in the NBA—it's becoming a worldwide phenomenon.
When I look at the current crop of NBA centers, Nikola Jokić undoubtedly sits at the throne, and honestly, I don't think it's particularly close. The Denver Nuggets star is putting up what I consider to be historic numbers—averaging 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9.2 assists while maintaining a 58.3% field goal percentage. What separates Jokić from other elite centers isn't just his statistical production but his basketball IQ that I've rarely seen matched in my two decades covering the league. He processes the game like a chess master, always three moves ahead of everyone else. I've watched him dismantle defenses with passes that most point guards wouldn't even attempt. His impact extends beyond traditional metrics—the Nuggets are 12.7 points per 100 possessions better when he's on the court, which is just staggering.
Right behind Jokić, I'd place Joel Embiid, though his ranking comes with the caveat of health concerns. When healthy, which has been about 65% of the season based on my tracking, Embiid is an absolute force who can score from anywhere on the court. His 34.8 points per game lead the league, and his ability to draw fouls—averaging 11.9 free throw attempts per game—makes him nearly impossible to guard one-on-one. I've always been fascinated by how Embiid combines old-school post moves with modern perimeter skills. He's shooting 36.2% from three-point range while still dominating in the paint, a combination that I believe represents the future of the position.
The third spot in my ranking goes to Bam Adebayo, whose defensive versatility makes him invaluable in today's switch-heavy NBA. Watching Adebayo guard all five positions reminds me of how the center role has expanded beyond traditional expectations. He's averaging a solid 21.7 points and 10.4 rebounds, but where he truly shines is on defense—I've charted him successfully switching onto guards approximately 48 times this season while maintaining a defensive rating of 106.3. The Miami Heat's defensive scheme completely revolves around his ability to protect the rim and contain perimeter players, something very few centers can do effectively.
Now, this is where my personal bias might show, but I'm putting Domantas Sabonis at number four because of his consistency and unique skill set. While he doesn't have the flashy highlights of some other centers, Sabonis is averaging a remarkable 19.8 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 8.1 assists—numbers that only Jokić can rival in terms of all-around production. I've been particularly impressed with his screening and short-roll playmaking, which creates countless opportunities for the Sacramento Kings' offense. His game might not be as aesthetically pleasing to casual fans, but from a technical standpoint, I consider him one of the most fundamentally sound big men in the league.
Rounding out my top five is Anthony Davis, though I'll admit this placement might surprise some readers given his reputation. While Davis has undeniable talent and can dominate games defensively—I've seen him single-handedly dismantle offenses with his shot-blocking and perimeter defense—his inconsistency on offense and durability concerns prevent me from ranking him higher. He's playing about 76% of games this season, which is an improvement, but I need to see more sustained excellence before moving him up my list.
The global basketball landscape continues to influence how we evaluate these players, and the potential exhibition games between B.League and other Asian leagues that Nao Okamoto mentioned could further showcase how the center position is evolving worldwide. I've noticed that international big men often bring different skills and perspectives to the game, which enriches the entire basketball ecosystem. As we look toward the future, I'm convinced that the ideal modern center must be a multifaceted contributor who impacts the game in numerous ways, not just through traditional big-man statistics. The days of judging centers solely by points and rebounds are long gone—today's elite big men must be offensive hubs, defensive anchors, and often secondary playmakers. This evolution makes watching and analyzing the position more exciting than ever, and I'm curious to see how these rankings might shift as the season progresses and new talents emerge from both the NBA and international leagues.
