In two previous articles, the top shooting guards and point guards were ranked and assessed. In this instance, the best centers the National Basketball Association has to offer are enumerated and dissected. So, who are the top 5 centers heading into the 2024-2025 season?
The Top 5 Centers Heading Into the 2024-2025 Season
5. Domantas Sabonis
Sacramento Kings big man Domantas Sabonis is fresh off of his second consecutive selection to an All-NBA (both third team) and All-Star team. The Kings center averaged 19.4 points, 13.7 rebounds (career-high), and 8.2 assists (career-high), respectively. The 28-year-old big man played in all 82 games for Sacramento last season and is established as one of the NBA’s underrated players.
The 2016 first-round pick is solid at pushing the pace for the offense, facilitating, and providing leadership. Sacramento missed the postseason last year, so expect Sabonis and the Kings to return poised and hungry this upcoming season.
4. Victor Wembanyama
The 2023 No. 1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama had an impressive rookie season with the San Antonio Spurs. Wembanyama averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks in his debut season in the NBA. Due to his performance, the Frenchman earned the Rookie of the Year award, was the NBA Blocks champion, and selected to an All-Defensive Team (First), respectively.
Furthermore, Wembanyama proved that the hype for the 2023 draft surrounding him was warranted. The Spurs center stood out on both ends of the floor whether it was rim protection or showcasing his shooting ability from distance.
The Spurs organization and the NBA community expect the 7’4 giant to take a big leap next season, especially with the addition of Chris Paul.
3. Anthony Davis
Los Angeles Lakers center Anthony Davis has been one of the league’s premier big men for almost a decade. Davis earned his fifth All-NBA appearance (Second-Team) and his third All-Defensive First-Team nod last season. The 2020 NBA champion averaged 24.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks for the Lakers in 2023.
Davis is highly effective on both ends of the floor, which makes him one of the all-time great big men the game has ever seen. The 6’11 center will enter his 13th season in the NBA and looks to lead the Lakers to another title.
2. Joel Embiid
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is a force to be reckoned with. When the 2014 No. 1 pick isn’t plagued by injuries, he’s one of the league’s must-see commodities. Embiid won back-to-back scoring titles (’22-’23) and the MVP award in the 2022-23 campaign. Last season, Embiid averaged 34.7 points and 11 rebounds, respectively. Furthermore, the 76ers star scored a franchise-record 70 points in a game against the Spurs.
Embiid and the 76ers will have immense expectations since having added all-star forward Paul George in free agency.
1. Nikola Jokic
Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic recently won his third MVP within the last four seasons. Jokic now joins Lebron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, Moses Malone, Wilt Chamberlain, Larry Bird, Bill Russell, and Magic Johnson as the only players to win at least 3 MVPs. Furthermore, Jokic led the Nuggets to its first ever NBA title in 2023.
Jokic averaged 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9 assists in route to his third MVP trophy. The six-time all-star is known for his playmaking abilities and elite passing as a 6’10, 285Ib center.
The Nuggets failed to repeat as champions last season, but Jokic and the newly acquired Russell Westbrook aim to win the franchise’s second NBA title in 2024.
The Last Word on The Top 5 Centers Heading Into the 2024-2025 Season
Jokic, Davis, Embiid, Sabonis, and Wembanyama are the best of the best at the center position. As the 2024 season looms, expect those five players to continue to produce at an elite level and help lead their respective teams to success.
