1. Dwight Howard
The defensive anchor of a pretty good Houston Rockets team is number 1 on the list because he embodies the classic definition of what a Center is. He protects the rim, he’s a defensive mastermind, his presence alone alters shots, he has good timing when it comes to blocking shots, and he’s great at rebounding. Furthermore, not only is he a great defensive player, but due to his elite athleticism, he is also pretty good at offense.
It’s no secret that Dwight’s elite athletic ability causes matchup problems for opposing big men. He is often too quick, too agile, and too strong for the other Centers in the league. Because of this, Dwight Howard is able to draw 9 free throw attempts a game with just an average post game.
Currently, Dwight Howard is averaging about 19 points per game, 12 rebounds per game, and 2 blocks per game. Dwight and his team are currently 4th in the West, and looking to establish themselves are real title contenders this playoff run.
Strength: Athleticism
Weakness: Free Throw shooting
2. Joakim Noah
The current leader and defensive anchor for the Bulls comes in at number 2. Joakim Noah is a great defensive player, a great rebounder, and probably the best passing big man in the league. His postgame is pretty average, but he makes up for it with his hustle and intensity.
Joakim Noah is currently averaging 13 points per game, 11 rebounds per game, 5 assists per game, about 2 blocks per games, and a little over 1 steal per game. In addition to his well filled out stat line, he is leading this depleted Bulls’ roster to the number 4 seed in the East.
Strength: Hustle, Passing, Intensity
Weakness: Postgame
3. Al Jefferson
The best back-to-basket player of today comes in at number 3. Al Jefferson is a nightmare matchup for most players in his position. His postgame is very good, his footwork is superb, he can step out to hit the jumper, his pump fakes are well used, and he can finish with contact. While he might not be the most athletic big man in the league, his basketball IQ and fundamentals more than make up for his shortcomings.
Presently, Al Jefferson is putting up about 22 points per game, 10 rebounds per game, and shooting a very good 51% from the field. His Charlotte Bobcats team leans on him to keep them in the game, and he’s doing a good job of it as they currently sit at the number 7 seed in the East.
Strength: Postgame
Weakness: Defense
4. DeMarcus Cousins
The most talented Center in the game today comes in at number 4. There is nothing DeMarcus Cousins can’t do out there on the floor. His postgame is good, his footwork is good, he can rebound the ball, he can hit the midrange jump shot, he is somewhat of a defensive anchor, and he has that swagger about him that lets you know he means business.
The only knock against DeMarcus is he can’t seem to turn all of his talent into wins (they will miss the playoffs yet again), and he hasn’t learned how to be the leader of his team despite being their best player. Lucky for him, his talent is good enough to get him noticed in spite of his lack of team wins.
Right now, DeMarcus is averaging 22 points per game, 12 rebounds per game, close to 2 steals per game, and 1 block per game. His team isn’t doing too well, but at the young age of 23, he has more than enough time to turn that around. With the right team, dedication and hard work, this guy can be the next all-time great big man.
Strength: Fundamentals
Weakness: Intensity, Attitude
5. Chris Bosh
The big man for the reigning champions, the Miami Heat comes in at number 5. Chris Bosh has helped the Heat maintain their dominance throughout their 3 going on 4 year reign. When LeBron is off and Wade is having a hard time, they turn to Bosh to get them going and he seems to always deliver.
Bosh is a very good clutch performer, a very good shooter for his position, and a tough matchup for most of his peers. He always seems to bring it when it most matters and he is an underrated defender.
At the moment, Bosh is putting up about 16 points per game, about 7 rebounds per game, and shooting an impressive 35% from the 3point line. While his stats aren’t all that impressive, we know on another team he would be at least the number 2 guy and probably the number 1 guy. He made the choice to sacrifice his individual stats for championship rings and it worked out just as planned. It’ll be interesting to see what steps he decides to take later on this year, where he can opt out and go to another team to remind the league of his past dominance.
Strength: Jumpshot, Clutch Gene
Weakness: Strength, Protecting the Rim
Honorable Mention(s): Roy Hibbert (the defensive anchor for the Indiana Pacers, yet his stats are terrible this year, and he’s not consistent enough). Everyone else who you may think is a Center is listed as a Power Forward this year (players like Tim Duncan and Anthony Davis).
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