NBA Power Rankings: Ranking the top players at every position
By Phil DeMeo
Centers
Nov 20, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) during the game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
1) Dwight Howard (17.9 PPG, 13.6 RPG, 2.4 BPG, 56 FG%, 54 FT%) – Howard has always been considered the best center in the league. Now that he is healthy, he is proving it once again. He does make some bonehead decisions and his free throws kill his team, but there’s no denying his defensive presence and rebounding.
2) DeMarcus Cousins (21.3 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 46 FG%, 68 FT%) – I have always been a huge Boogie fan and it’s awesome for the league that he has his head on straight, because he is a pleasure to watch. He is an old school, physical big man who is still learning the game but at the same time it’s most impressive scoring center.
3) Roy Hibbert (12.2 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 4.3 BPG, 48 FG%, 74 FT%) – Hibbert is the defensive anchor to the best team in the league. He is an intimidating center and a leader. Hibbert can very well win Defensive Player of the Year.
4) Marc Gasol (16.0 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 4.3 APG, 45 FG%, 88 FT%) – Gasol is obviously a great defender and is a center who can do it all. He might not get you 20 points a game, but he will do everything you need to win. even though he is injured at the moment Gasol keeps a spot in the top five.
5) Nikola Vucevic (15.0 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 54 FG%, 74 FT%) – The Magic big man is a monster and is as old school as it gets. He is a walking double double and is having a nice start of a career in Orlando.
Honorable Mentions: DeAndre Jordan, Al Horford, Pau Gasol