The modern era of the NBA has seen some truly remarkable centers, individuals who have dominated the paint and redefined the role of the big man in basketball. Take Shaquille O'Neal, whose formidable presence on the court was encapsulated in his MVP season in 2000. O'Neal averaged 29.7 points, 13.6 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game, showcasing his unmatched ability to control both ends of the floor. Not to mention his physical specs -- standing at 7'1" and weighing 325 pounds -- he was a force of nature that very few could contend with.
When you talk about defensive prowess, it's essential to mention Dwight Howard. Howard's athleticism and strength made him a three-time Defensive Player of the Year. During the 2008-2009 season, for instance, he averaged 13.8 rebounds and 2.9 blocks per game. His ability to alter shots and intimidate opponents in the paint earned him a reputation as one of the best defenders of his generation. We often hear about how offenses changed their game plans simply to avoid him, a clear testament to his impact.
The Boston Celtics’ Kevin Garnett also deserves special mention. Garnett's versatility allowed him to play multiple positions, but his role as a center was where he truly shone. In 2008, he led the Celtics to an NBA Championship, his impact being most felt on the defensive end where he averaged 9.2 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game throughout that playoff run. His intangibles went beyond the stat sheet, providing veteran leadership and a defensive ferocity that every title-contending team covets.
Joel Embiid, on the other hand, represents the new breed of NBA centers. Not only does he dominate in the post, but he also has a competent three-point shot, something traditional centers rarely had. Last season, Embiid averaged 33.1 points and 10.2 rebounds per game while shooting 37.1% from behind the arc. His ability to stretch the floor has made it much harder for defenses to contain him, highlighting the evolution of the center position in today’s NBA.
If you’re looking for a center with a high basketball IQ, Nikola Jokic is the perfect example. Jokic's court vision and passing ability are unprecedented for a player of his size. The 2020-2021 season saw Jokic average 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game -- a near triple-double from a center is something we've seldom seen in NBA history. His performance cemented his status as one of the most skilled and versatile centers the league has ever seen.
Meanwhile, Rudy Gobert has carved out a niche for himself as a defensive stalwart. With a 7’9” wingspan, Gobert led the league in blocks during the 2016-2017 season, averaging 2.64 per game. His presence in the middle is invaluable for the Utah Jazz, often tilting the game in their favor just by his ability to protect the rim. Gobert’s defensive ratings consistently rank among the best in the league, a clear indicator of his defensive impact.
Anthony Davis is another name that inevitably pops up in discussions. Though capable of playing power forward, Davis has thrived as a center, especially with the Los Angeles Lakers. During the 2019-2020 season, when the Lakers clinched the NBA Championship, Davis averaged 26.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game. His ability to score, defend, and even handle the ball occasionally makes him one of the most complete players in the league.
The list would be incomplete without mentioning Karl-Anthony Towns. Towns combines athleticism with a diverse skill set that enables him to score from anywhere on the court. In the 2021-2022 season, Towns averaged 24.6 points and 9.8 rebounds while boasting a 41.3% shooting percentage from three-point range. His scoring versatility is rare among centers, further emphasizing the changing dynamics of the position in modern basketball.
DeMarcus Cousins also made a significant impact during his peak. Known for his scoring ability and fierce competitiveness, Cousins averaged 27 points and 11 rebounds per game during the 2016-2017 season. Despite injuries derailing his career, his peak performance level is a reminder of what centers are capable of when at their best.
Brook Lopez deserves acknowledgment for his transformation into a three-point shooter. Initially a traditional back-to-the-basket center, Lopez adapted to the evolving NBA landscape by developing a three-point shot. In the 2018-2019 season, he averaged 2.3 made three-pointers per game, a remarkable feat for someone of his size. This adaptation not only extended his career but also added a crucial dimension to his team's offense.
Centers like Bam Adebayo also highlight the importance of versatility. Adebayo's ability to guard multiple positions and contribute offensively makes him invaluable. In the 2020-2021 season, he averaged 9 assists per 100 possessions, a surprisingly high number for a center, illustrating his playmaking ability.
Centers have always played a crucial role in the success of NBA teams, and the modern era showcases perhaps the most diverse set of skills we've ever seen. Whether it's the brute strength of Shaquille O'Neal, the defensive dominance of Rudy Gobert, or the all-around prowess of Anthony Davis, these athletes continue to shape the game in ways previously unimaginable.
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