Ranking All 30 NBA Starting Centers (2026-27)
Size matters more than ever before, but being a good center in today's NBA means you need to be exceptional at least one skill. Being seven-feet tall doesn't automatically make you a force to be reckoned with anymore. As we glance over the preseason results, it's clear that best centers the NBA has to offer right now are the guys who would've been unheard of at their position just two decades ago. Some are walking double-doubles, some are defensive nightmares, some you can't leave open from deep, and some are the face of their entire franchise.
The competition is fierce, the talent pool is overflowing, and the gap between a serviceable starter and a superstar is astronomical. So, who's carrying their weight, who's climbing above it, and who's sitting comfortably at the top of the league's frontcourt hierarchy? It's time to separate the giants from the goliaths and rank all 30 starting centers heading into the 2026-27 NBA season.
Isaiah Jackson
Los Angeles Clippers
2025-26 Stats: 6.7 PPG · 5.3 RPG · 0.9 APG · 63.7% FG
Entering his sixth NBA season, Isaiah Jackson has barely surpassed 200 career appearances, with a brutal string of injuries preventing him from establishing any real consistency. When healthy, Jackson is an explosive finisher who converts his opportunities around the rim at an incredibly efficient rate, while also providing good shot-blocking and interior protection on the defensive end. However, his offensive repertoire remains limited, and his availability has been a recurring concern. Jackson is definitely a serviceable rotational big man, but as a starting center, he's hardly the type of player you'd want anchoring your frontcourt long-term.
Yves Missi
New Orleans Pelicans
2025-26 Stats: 5.7 PPG · 5.8 RPG · 1.3 APG · 54.4% FG
Yves Missi enjoyed a promising rookie campaign, establishing himself as an exceptionally mobile big man who thrives on attacking the rim, snatching rebounds out of thin air, and making his presence felt defensively. However, his individual contributions weren't enough to prevent New Orleans from stumbling to a miserable 21-win season, and a reduced role during his sophomore campaign saw him take a step backward. Missi is one of those traditional big men who prioritizes cleaning the glass and doing the dirty work over putting points on the board, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. But his limited offensive arsenal and inconsistent overall impact make it difficult to justify placing him much higher on this list, at least for now.
Oso Ighodaro
Phoenix Suns
2025-26 Stats: 6.5 PPG · 5.1 RPG · 2.3 APG · 65.3% FG
With Mark Williams sidelined for the foreseeable future, Oso Ighodaro finally has his opportunity to shine as Phoenix's starting center. The athletic big man is an efficient finisher around the basket, a surprisingly gifted passer for his size, and incredibly durable, having appeared in all 82 games last season. Availability is no concern here, and Ighodaro also deserves credit for contributing to a Suns team that won 45 games and reached the postseason. However, his lack of a perimeter game severely limits his ability to stretch the floor, and he's still relatively unproven as a full-time starter. Nevertheless, his mobility, durability, and underrated playmaking give him a slight edge over the previous two. At No. 28, there's plenty of room for Ighodaro to climb.
Day'Ron Sharpe
Brooklyn Nets
2025-26 Stats: 8.7 PPG · 6.7 RPG · 2.3 APG · 60.1% FG
Brooklyn's longest-tenured player is finally getting his opportunity to take the reins as the team's starting center, and there's plenty to be optimistic about. Day'Ron Sharpe is an incredibly efficient player around the basket, having connected on an impressive 60% of his field goal attempts last season. He's also a surprisingly capable facilitator for a player of his size and has an admirable willingness to share the basketball even coming off of the bench. I'd certainly like to see Sharpe become a more aggressive force on the glass, but perhaps we've only scratched the surface of his rebounding potential. After years of operating primarily as a reserve, this is our first real opportunity to see what a starting Day'Ron Sharpe brings to the table. Don't be surprised if he outgrows this ranking.
Moussa Diabate
Charlotte Hornets
2025-26 Stats: 7.9 PPG · 8.7 RPG · 1.9 APG · 63.1% FG
Don't let the lack of size fool you, because Moussa Diabate plays like he's the tallest guy on the floor. The 6'10" Frenchman enjoyed a MASSIVE breakout campaign last season, earning the NBA Hustle Award thanks to his relentless motor, elite offensive rebounding, and willingness to do just about anything to help his team win. His lateral quickness and defensive versatility allow him to hold his own against players of all shapes and sizes, making him an invaluable glue guy in Charlotte's frontcourt. However, Diabate remains a relatively limited offensive weapon, with much of his production coming directly around the basket. If he can expand his scoring arsenal and become a casual threat outside the paint, there's no telling how much further he could climb these rankings. For now, his energy and defensive impact alone make him a player worth appreciating.
Daniel Gafford
Dallas Mavericks
2025-26 Stats: 9.5 PPG · 6.9 RPG · 1.1 APG · 65.5% FG
Daniel Gafford might just be one of the most underrated big men in basketball. Although injuries have disrupted his momentum in recent years, a healthy Gafford is an absolute FORCE around the basket, using his explosive athleticism and impressive wingspan to finish lobs, dominate the interior, and send opposing shots flying in the opposite direction. He's led the NBA in field goal percentage, ranked among the league's most productive offensive rebounders, and played an instrumental role in Dallas' run to the 2024 NBA Finals. Gafford isn't going to stretch the floor or create much offense for himself, but his ability to maximize scoring opportunities, protect the rim, and impact winning without demanding touches makes him an incredibly valuable asset. If he can stay healthy, there's no reason he can't outperform this ranking.
Jakob Poeltl
Toronto Raptors
2025-26 Stats: 10.7 PPG · 7.0 RPG · 2.0 APG · 70.0% FG
You could certainly make a case for Jakob Poeltl sitting considerably higher on this list. The seven-footer has quietly established himself as one of the NBA's most efficient traditional big men over the past decade, shooting an absurd 70% from the field last season and 63% for his career. Poeltl isn't going to dazzle anyone with his perimeter shooting, but he's developed an impressive arsenal of interior scoring moves, utilizing excellent footwork, soft touch, and his imposing length to make life miserable for opposing defenders. He's also a reliable rebounder and capable rim protector who understands his role exceptionally well. Although his scoring production took a noticeable step backward last season, his efficiency remained practically untouched. Poeltl may not be the flashiest center in basketball, but there's something to be said about a big man who knows exactly what he's good at and consistently delivers.
Wendell Carter Jr.
Orlando Magic
2025-26 Stats: 11.8 PPG · 7.4 RPG · 2.0 APG · 51.2% FG
Sometimes, the most valuable players are the ones who understand their roles and execute them to perfection. Wendell Carter Jr. is a prime example. The Duke product possesses an intriguing blend of skills, highlighted by his high basketball IQ, versatile pick-and-roll defense, and impressive passing instincts. While his athleticism has occasionally come under scrutiny, Carter knows how to get to his spots, knock down midrange jumpers, and make intelligent reads that create opportunities for his teammates. He may not have the widest stats or the most explosive game, but his contributions to Orlando's emergence as a legitimate playoff contender shouldn't be overlooked. Perhaps most encouragingly, Carter started all 78 games he appeared in last season, a HUGE accomplishment for someone whose career has been repeatedly interrupted by injuries.
Myles Turner
Milwaukee Bucks
2025-26 Stats: 11.9 PPG · 5.3 RPG · 1.5 APG · 44.0% FG
Some might consider this placement downright disrespectful, but there's no denying that Myles Turner has taken a step backward. Once regarded as one of the NBA's premier two-way centers, Turner has seen his overall efficiency regress considerably, and with promising youngster Kel'el Ware breathing down his neck, even his starting role in Milwaukee isn't entirely secure. His 44% shooting from the field last season was a far cry from his most productive years, although his willingness to take difficult, perimeter-oriented shots certainly plays a factor. Nevertheless, Turner remains a valuable floor spacer who commands respect beyond the arc, and while his days of leading the league in blocked shots appear to be behind him, attacking the basket with him lurking nearby can STILL end in disaster. The veteran isn't quite the intimidating two-way force he once was, but counting him out entirely would be a mistake.
Neemias Queta
Boston Celtics
2025-26 Stats: 10.2 PPG · 8.4 RPG · 1.7 APG · 65.3% FG
When the Celtics' frontcourt appeared to be in shambles, Neemias Queta answered the call in a BIG way. The Portuguese big man enjoyed a breakout campaign that earned him a fourth-place finish in Most Improved Player voting, averaging 10 points and eight rebounds while shooting a blistering 65% from the field. Queta isn't the most versatile offensive player, but his physicality, imposing presence around the basket, and ability to finish efficiently have made him an invaluable gem in Boston's rotation. More importantly, he proved capable of handling the responsibilities of a full-time starting center when the Celtics needed him most. With Mitchell Robinson now entering the picture, Queta will have some additional competition for frontcourt minutes, but Boston would be foolish to overlook his potential. At just 27 years old, there's still plenty of room for him to grow, and his breakout season may have been only the beginning.
Nic Claxton
Chicago Bulls
2025-26 Stats: 11.1 PPG · 6.9 RPG · 3.7 APG · 57.1% FG
The Brooklyn Nets endured an absolutely miserable 20-62 campaign last season, but Nic Claxton was hardly the biggest culprit behind their struggles. The athletic seven-footer remains an aggressive interior defender, explosive finisher, and standout shot-blocker who can make life difficult for opposing offenses. He even elevated his playmaking to another level last season, dishing out a career-high 3.7 assists per game. However, my biggest concern with Claxton is his apparent lack of progression. His offensive repertoire hasn't meaningfully expanded over the past four seasons, and his rebounding production and field goal efficiency have taken noticeable steps backward. It's particularly frustrating considering he's right in the middle of what should be his PRIME years. Claxton is undoubtedly a talented starting center, but at some point, you'd like to see him take that next step rather than continue hovering around the same level. Hopefully, a fresh start in Chicago can reignite his development and bring out the best version of him.
Zach Edey
Memphis Grizzlies
2025-26 Stats: 13.6 PPG · 11.1 RPG · 1.1 APG · 63.3% FG
At a towering 7'4", Zach Edey is one of the most hyped young centers in basketball, and I genuinely believe we've only scratched the surface of his potential. The former Purdue star enjoyed a promising rookie campaign, showcasing his tremendous offensive rebounding instincts, soft touch around the basket, and surprisingly respectable perimeter shooting for a player who had seemingly no jumper in college. Edey appeared poised for a DOMINANT sophomore season, averaging 13 points and 11 rebounds before a devastating season-ending injury brought his momentum to a screeching halt. However, with Santi Aldama gone and much of Memphis' previous core dismantled, the door is wide open for Edey to command a substantially larger role on both ends of the floor. His speed remains a concern against quicker opponents, but his sheer size, rebounding prowess, and developing offensive arsenal give him an incredibly high ceiling.
Isaiah Hartenstein
Oklahoma City Thunder
2025-26 Stats: 9.2 PPG · 9.4 RPG · 3.5 APG · 62.2% FG
Not every impactful center needs to dominate the box score, and Isaiah Hartenstein is living proof of that. The NBA champion is one of the most cerebral big men in basketball, possessing an exceptional understanding of the game that makes him a PERFECT fit in Oklahoma City's system. Standing seven feet tall and weighing 250 pounds, Hartenstein is an absolute BRICK WALL when setting screens, a relentless presence on the glass, and a remarkably gifted passer who can facilitate offense with the instincts of a point guard. His ability to create second-chance opportunities, make intelligent reads, and do the dirty work has made him a legitimate game-changer in the Thunder's frontcourt. He may not possess the scoring arsenal or star upside of some of the guys ranked above him, but his unselfishness, physicality, and basketball IQ are invaluable to winning basketball. Hartenstein is the kind of player whose true impact extends FAR beyond the stat sheet.
Kristaps Porzingis
Golden State Warriors
2025-26 Stats: 16.7 PPG · 5.2 RPG · 2.5 APG · 44.6% FG
It's almost UNTHINKABLE to rank a player as talented as Kristaps Porzingis this low, but at some point, availability has to outweigh ability. The 7'2" Latvian is one of basketball's most uniquely gifted big men, possessing a silky-smooth perimeter jumper, exceptional floor-spacing capabilities, and an intimidating defensive presence around the rim. When healthy, he's a legitimate difference-maker on both ends of the floor. Unfortunately, those two words—"when healthy"— have practically defined his career. Porzingis hasn't appeared in more than 70 games since his rookie campaign over a decade ago, and his ongoing health concerns are beginning to rival those of Joel Embiid. Now sidelined from basketball activities with an undisclosed illness and no definitive timetable for his return, his future availability remains a major question mark. Here's hoping Porzingis makes a full recovery, because Golden State could desperately use his talents in its frontcourt.
Onyeka Okongwu
Atlanta Hawks
2025-26 Stats: 15.2 PPG · 7.6 RPG · 3.1 APG · 48.0% FG
Somebody needs to conduct a study on Onyeka Okongwu's shooting transformation, because what we've witnessed over the past couple of seasons has been nothing short of remarkable. From his days at USC through his first four NBA seasons, Okongwu was practically a nonfactor beyond the arc, relying almost exclusively on his athleticism, interior finishing, and defensive versatility to make an impact. Fast-forward to today, and the former lottery pick has blossomed into a legitimate three-level scoring threat, knocking down an impressive 37% of his three-point attempts while taking on a substantially larger offensive workload. Granted, his overall field goal percentage has plummeted from the mid-60s to the high-40s, but that's a sacrifice worth making when a traditional big man suddenly develops a respectable outside jumper. Okongwu's offensive evolution has completely changed how opposing defenses have to approach him, and with his athleticism and defensive instincts still intact, he's becoming one of the more versatile centers in basketball.
Walker Kessler
Los Angeles Lakers
2025-26 Stats: 14.4 PPG · 10.8 RPG · 3.0 APG · 70.3% FG
The Lakers FINALLY got their guy, and if Walker Kessler can return to full strength, they might have landed one of the most impactful young centers in basketball. The guy stands well over seven feet, and appeared poised for a MONSTER campaign last season, averaging 14 points and 10 rebounds on an absurd 70% shooting before injuries brought his season to a premature end after just five games. Even before that, Kessler had been making himself known as one of the NBA's premier interior defenders, routinely ranking among the league leaders in blocked shots, rebounding, and field goal efficiency. His imposing size, exceptional timing, and soft touch around the basket make him a nightmare to deal with in the paint, especially for opponents who dare challenge him at the rim. You could make a legitimate argument that Kessler belongs considerably higher on this list, but after such a lengthy absence, I'd like to see him regain his footing first. If he picks up where he left off, the Lakers may have finally found their long-awaited answer at center.
Donovan Clingan
Portland Trail Blazers
2025-26 Stats: 12.1 PPG · 11.6 RPG · 2.1 APG · 52.0% FG
At just 22 years old, Donovan Clingan is establishing himself as one of the most imposing forces in basketball, and the scary part is that he's only getting started. The 7'2" giant led the ENTIRE league in total rebounds last season, emerging as a walking double-double and one of basketball's most intimidating rim protectors. His exceptional shot-blocking, enormous frame, and relentless pursuit of rebounds make him an absolute NIGHTMARE to account for in the paint. But what makes Clingan particularly intriguing is his developing perimeter game. Despite his towering stature, the former UConn standout looks surprisingly smooth letting it fly from beyond the arc, adding another dimension to an already impressive skill set. If his outside shooting continues to progress, opposing defenses could have a serious problem on their hands.
Alex Sarr
Washington Wizards
2025-26 Stats: 16.3 PPG · 7.4 RPG · 2.7 APG · 48.2% FG
Call me crazy, but I'm buying all the Alex Sarr stock I can get my hands on. The 7-foot Frenchman is coming off an impressive sophomore campaign where he averaged 16 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks per game, showcasing the tantalizing two-way potential that made him the No. 2 overall pick in 2024. Granted, those numbers came on one of the worst teams in basketball, but there's so much more to his game than the box score suggests. Sarr is a natural-born athlete with exceptional mobility for his size, terrific defensive instincts, and the ability to step outside and knock down perimeter jumpers. He's still refining his offensive consistency, but the foundation of a legitimate two-way star is complete. It's difficult being a versatile French seven-footer without consistently being overshadowed by Wemby, but Sarr has all the tools to carve out his OWN identity. With Washington looking to turn the corner, I fully expect this kid to make some serious noise in the nation's capital.
Ivica Zubac
Indiana Pacers
2025-26 Stats: 14.1 PPG · 10.6 RPG · 2.2 APG · 59.8% FG
Injuries prevented Ivica Zubac from making much noise last season, but I genuinely believe he's EXACTLY what the Indiana Pacers need in their frontcourt. For a guy that was drawing comparisons to Marc Gasol, the Croatian big man has spent nearly a decade proving that you don't need a three-point jumper to thrive in the modern NBA. Zubac is a traditional, fundamentally sound center who makes his living around the basket, utilizing excellent footwork, soft touch, and imposing physicality to convert high-percentage looks. He's consistently ranked among the league's most efficient scorers in terms of true shooting percentage, understands his strengths and rarely ventures outside his comfort zone. Throw in his tenacious rebounding, sturdy screens, and reliable interior defense, and you've got one of the most complete traditional big men in basketball.
Jarrett Allen
Cleveland Cavaliers
2025-26 Stats: 15.4 PPG · 8.5 RPG · 1.8 APG · 63.8% FG
If consistency had a face, it might just be Jarrett Allen's. The former All-Star has become the definition of Mr. Reliable, mastering his role as a traditional center and establishing himself as the perfect frontcourt partner to Evan Mobley. Need 15 points and 10 rebounds on any given night? Allen's your guy. Need an imposing, sturdy presence who can protect the basket, finish lobs, and clean up the glass? He's got you covered there, too. The seven-footer has shot around 60% from the field throughout his ENTIRE career, largely because he understands the value of positioning, shot selection, and capitalizing on high-percentage opportunities around the rim. He isn't going to stretch the floor or overwhelm opponents with an elaborate offensive arsenal, but he doesn't need to. Allen knows exactly what he's being paid to do, and he does it exceptionally well.
Domantas Sabonis
Sacramento Kings
2025-26 Stats: 15.8 PPG · 11.4 RPG · 4.1 APG · 54.3% FG
Kicking off our top 10 is three-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis, who might be facing the most important season of his career. Coming off a devastating injury, the Lithuanian big man will be tasked with leading a Sacramento squad back into playoff contention without much of a supporting cast to lean on. Fortunately, Sabonis has made himself one of the most complete offensive centers in basketball, having led the NBA in rebounding for multiple seasons while showcasing exceptional playmaking instincts, phenomenal low-post footwork, and an increasingly respectable perimeter jumper. He's also made noticeable strides defensively, addressing what was once considered one of the biggest weaknesses in his game. Sabonis isn't necessarily the most explosive or physically imposing seven-footer, but his combination of strength, finesse, basketball IQ, and sheer productivity makes him an absolute NIGHTMARE to account for.
Rudy Gobert
Minnesota Timberwolves
2025-26 Stats: 10.9 PPG · 11.5 RPG · 1.7 APG · 68.2% FG
Say what you want about Rudy Gobert, but the man has built a Hall of Fame resumé doing what he does best: making life absolutely miserable for opposing offenses. The four-time Defensive Player of the Year continues to defy Father Time, earning his EIGHTH All-Defensive First Team selection last season and further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest defensive centers in NBA history. Standing 7'1" with an enormous wingspan, Gobert is an intimidating rim protector, a relentless rebounder, and a walking double-double who can finish alley-oops in his sleep. His offensive repertoire is limited, and his inability to stretch the floor can occasionally complicate Minnesota's spacing, but let's not pretend that diminishes his overall impact. Few players in basketball can single-handedly alter an opponent's shot selection quite like Gobert, and even as he enters the twilight of his career, the Frenchman remains one of the most dominant defensive anchors in the game.
Jaren Jackson Jr.
Utah Jazz
2025-26 Stats: 19.4 PPG · 5.7 RPG · 2.0 APG · 47.6% FG
They don't call him the Block Panther for nothing. Jaren Jackson Jr. is the definition of a two-way player, capable of sliding between the power forward and center positions without sacrificing his impact on either end of the floor. The former Defensive Player of the Year possesses exceptional timing, tremendous length, and the lateral quickness to defend multiple positions, making him an absolute NIGHTMARE for opposing scorers. But what truly separates Jackson from most traditional centers is his offensive versatility. With an unconventional yet effective perimeter jumper, remarkably fluid ball-handling skills for a near-seven-footer, and a tremendous feel for the game, Jackson can create his own offense rather than simply wait for opportunities around the basket. We're talking about a guy who can drop 20 points on any given night and turn around to lock down the opposition's most dangerous scorer. That kind of two-way production is a LUXURY very few teams possess.
Jalen Duren
Detroit Pistons
2025-26 Stats: 19.5 PPG · 10.5 RPG · 2.0 APG · 65.0% FG
The Jalen Duren "Will He or Won't He" saga is officially over, and Detroit has made its commitment to the young All-Star crystal clear with a MASSIVE five-year contract. Duren has blossomed into one of the most physically imposing centers in basketball after averaging 19 points and 10 rebounds last season in just 28 minutes per game. The 6'10" powerhouse is an absolute monster on the glass, possesses explosive leaping ability that allows him to finish lobs over practically anyone, and has developed some of the most impressive low-post footwork in the league. There's a legitimate argument that Duren is already basketball's premier traditional post scorer (I think it's between him, Jokic and Sengun), with his combination of brute strength and surprisingly polished moves around the basket. His mobility and relentless physicality make him a handful for opposing frontcourts, and at just 22 years old, he's nowhere near his ceiling.
Bam Adebayo
Miami Heat
2025-26 Stats: 20.1 PPG · 10.0 RPG · 3.2 APG · 44.2% FG
If Bam Adebayo wasn't already enough of a nightmare for opposing offenses, the Miami Heat went ahead and paired him with Giannis. It will be interesting to see how anyone scores against those two. Adebayo, at this point, is one of basketball's greatest defenders, earning six All-Defensive Team selections and showcasing extraordinary versatility on both ends of the hardwood. His exceptional athleticism, suffocating perimeter defense, and ability to guard virtually every position make him one of the most valuable defensive weapons in the NBA. Offensively, Bam possesses an incredibly polished face-up game, excellent footwork, and the strength to finish around the basket like a traditional seven-footer. He's also a remarkably intelligent facilitator who can orchestrate offense from the high post. Combining that with Giannis is almost unfair. Miami might have assembled the scariest frontcourt in basketball, and with Adebayo helping anchor both ends of the floor, I'd be shocked if the Heat weren't competing for a top-three seed in the Eastern Conference.
Alperen Sengün
Houston Rockets
2025-26 Stats: 20.4 PPG · 8.9 RPG · 6.2 APG · 51.9% FG
If Nikola Jokic is the blueprint for the modern playmaking center, Alperen Sengün might just be the most promising student we've ever seen. The Turkish star is an absolute CHEAT CODE offensively, combining phenomenal basketball IQ, dazzling low-post footwork, and an almost supernatural ability to anticipate his teammates' movements. Sengün essentially operates as Houston's de facto point guard from the high post and elbows, threading pinpoint bounce passes through traffic, finding cutters before they even realize they're open, and manipulating defenses with the instincts of a seasoned floor general. But don't get it twisted: this guy can score, too. His arsenal of post moves, soft touch, and crafty footwork makes him one of the most gifted interior scorers of the modern era, and he'll casually pull down nine or ten rebounds while orchestrating the offense. The most ridiculous part? He's only 24 years old. Sengün is already playing basketball at an All-NBA level, and there's every reason to believe his best years are still ahead of him.
Joel Embiid
Philadelphia 76ers
2025-26 Stats: 26.7 PPG · 7.7 RPG · 3.9 APG · 48.9% FG
The Joel Embiid experience has become one of the most frustrating stories in basketball. When healthy, the former MVP is an absolute juggernaut, possessing an almost unstoppable combination of brute strength, silky-smooth footwork, elite midrange shooting, and the ability to draw fouls at will. Unfortunately, injuries continue to derail his momentum year after year, limiting him to just 38 appearances last season. And yet, Embiid STILL managed to average 27 points, seven rebounds, and four assists per game, reminding everyone that his talent remains undeniable. With Philadelphia boasting three legitimate first options, it'll be fascinating to see whether Embiid takes a step back offensively and embraces a more balanced approach. We know he can ball out, but can his body can withstand the demands of another grueling NBA season? Sixers fans are desperately hoping there's still an All-NBA First Team caliber player lurking beneath the injury concerns, and quite frankly, I wouldn't bet against him.
Karl-Anthony Towns
New York Knicks
2025-26 Stats: 20.1 PPG · 11.8 RPG · 3.0 APG · 50.1% FG
This one was a no-brainer. Karl-Anthony Towns is now an NBA champion, and perhaps the most impressive part of his championship journey was his willingness to sacrifice individual production for the greater good of his team. KAT has proven that he's capable of adapting to virtually any system if it means WINNING, and when it comes to offensive versatility, you'd be hard-pressed to find many centers who can match his repertoire. The seven-footer is a walking mismatch, has an incredibly polished low-post game, a silky-smooth midrange jumper, and one of the most lethal three-point strokes we've EVER seen from a player his size. Whether he's backing down defenders, attacking off the dribble, or pulling up from beyond the arc, Towns can put the ball in the basket from practically anywhere on the hardwood. His defensive limitations have drawn criticism throughout his career, but his offense makes up for it. With a title to his name, KAT has proven he can translate that extraordinary talent into winning basketball at the highest level.
Victor Wembanyama
San Antonio Spurs
2025-26 Stats: 25.0 PPG · 11.5 RPG · 3.1 APG · 51.2% FG
What we're witnessing from Victor Wembanyama is nothing short of historic. At just 22 years old, the 7'4" alien dragged the San Antonio Spurs to the NBA Finals in his FIRST postseason appearance, and quite frankly, the rest of the Western Conference should be terrified. Wembanyama's resumé from last season reads like something straight out of a video game: All-NBA First Team, Defensive Player of the Year, All-Defensive First Team, and Western Conference Finals MVP, all while averaging just 29 minutes per game. The phenom is already a generational defensive talent, capable of erasing shots that would be uncontested against practically anyone else, while possessing the ball-handling skills, perimeter shooting, and offensive creativity of a player half his size. There simply isn't a blueprint for defending someone like him, and the scariest part is that he's nowhere near his prime. San Antonio could realistically terrorize the Western Conference for the next DECADE plus, and we're witnessing the evolution of one of the greatest basketball prospects the sport has ever seen.
Nikola Jokić
Denver Nuggets
2025-26 Stats: 27.7 PPG · 12.9 RPG · 10.7 APG · 56.9% FG
Nikola Jokić didn't just set the bar. He is the bar. And quite frankly, I don't see anybody dethroning him for at least another couple of years. What we're witnessing from the three-time MVP is nothing short of basketball greatness, and somehow, he continues to find new ways to rewrite the history books. Last season, Jokić became the first player in NBA history to lead the league in BOTH assists and rebounds, all while casually averaging 27 points per game. He's completely revolutionized what it means to be a center, combining otherworldly court vision, impeccable footwork, elite scoring efficiency, and a basketball IQ that borders on supernatural. He doesn't need athleticism or speed to dominate because his brain is three steps ahead of everybody on the hardwood. Some are arguing that he's surpassed Hakeem Olajuwon as the greatest international player in NBA history, and honestly, that conversation is becoming increasingly difficult to dismiss. Right now, he's the gold standard against which every other big man is measured, and until further notice, the throne belongs to the JOKER.
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It feels like taller players are getting more and more fun to watch, but in a league where the competition only gets bigger, stronger, and more skilled, no throne is guaranteed. So, did we get the pecking order right?
Who's criminally underrated, who's ranked WAY too high, and which big man do YOU think deserves the crown? Sound off in the comments below!
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-Joel Piton
(@jp7ton)
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