The Best NBA Centers In 2023-24 By Tiers

Upon completion of the 2023-24 NBA season, we have named the 25 best centers in the world and divided them into five tiers. Two of the best players in the NBA right now happen to be centers and that includes the reigning three-time MVP and last year’s award winner as well. 

*Please note that the positions will be based on where the players played in the 2023-24 season according to Basketball Reference.

Tier 1 (The Best)

Nikola Jokic

Nikola Jokic is the epitome of a modern center, blending traditional big-man skills with guard-like playmaking abilities. In the 2023-24 season, Jokic averaged 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game, showcasing his ability to impact all facets of the game. He also shot 58.3% from the field and 35.9% from three-point range, highlighting his efficiency and range. Adding in the fact that Jokic won his third MVP award in four years, there is no doubt who the best big man in the world is.

Tier 2 (Bonafide Superstars)

Joel Embiid, Anthony Davis

Joel Embiid is a dominant force on both ends of the floor. In the 2023-24 season, he led the league in scoring with 34.7 points per game while also contributing 11.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game. Embiid's defensive impact is substantial, averaging 1.7 blocks and 1.2 steals per game. His shooting splits of 52.9% from the field and 38.8% from three-point range illustrate his ability to score from anywhere on the court even if he only played 39 games in the regular season because he played all six games for the 76ers in the playoffs.

Anthony Davis is a game-changer when healthy, providing elite production on both ends of the court. In the 2023-24 season, Davis averaged 24.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game, showcasing his defensive prowess and scoring ability. Davis' impact is highlighted by his 25.8 PER and 11.8 win shares, indicating his significant contribution to the Los Angeles Lakers' success in one of the player’s best individual seasons.

Tier 3 (All-Stars)

Victor Wembanyama, Bam Adebayo, Domantas Sabonis, Chet Holmgren, Rudy Gobert

The highly anticipated rookie, Victor Wembanyama, has already shown flashes of brilliance in his debut season. Averaging 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, Wembanyama's length and skill set make him an immediate impact player on both ends of the floor and he is easily one of the best franchise players in the NBA based on raw impact and potential. We are looking forward to the 2024-25 season because the Frenchman could reach another level as a dominant force inside the paint and also from the perimeter.

A bonafide All-Star, Bam Adebayo's versatility and defensive acumen place him firmly in Tier 3. In the 2023-24 season, Adebayo averaged 19.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. His ability to guard multiple positions and facilitate the Miami Heat's offense makes him an invaluable asset and he has surpassed Jimmy Butler as the best player on the team.

Domantas Sabonis continues to be a double-double machine, averaging 19.4 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game in the 2023-24 season. His playmaking from the center position and ability to control the boards are key components of the Sacramento Kings' success and he will have plenty of support next season with DeMar DeRozan coming on board next season.

Chet Holmgren, in his rookie season, is already showing promise as a future star. Averaging 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game, Holmgren's unique combination of size, skill, and shot-blocking ability make him a standout player and he was the second-best player behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the number one seed in the West.

Rudy Gobert remains one of the league's premier defenders as he became the third player in NBA history to win four Defensive Player of the Year awards, averaging 14.0 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game in the 2023-24 season. His defensive presence in the paint and rebounding prowess make him an All-Star caliber center.

Tier 4 (Fringe All-Stars)

Alperen Sengun, Jaren Jackson Jr., Jarrett Allen, Myles Turner, Kristaps Porzingis

Alperen Sengun's breakout season with the Houston Rockets has him on the cusp of All-Star status. Averaging 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game, Sengun's offensive versatility and playmaking abilities are impressive for a young center who is only 21 years old.

Known for his defensive capabilities, Jaren Jackson Jr. just missed out on the All-Star Team this year as he averaged 22.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game in the 2023-24 season. His shot-blocking and ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting make him a valuable player although he will need to improve his ability on the boards to reach another level.

Jarrett Allen is a consistent presence in the paint for the Cleveland Cavaliers, averaging 16.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. His defensive prowess and efficient scoring around the basket are key to his team's success and the Cavaliers sorely missed him in their postseason run this year.

Myles Turner continues to be a dominant shot-blocker, averaging 17.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game in the 2023-24 season. His ability to protect the rim and stretch the floor with his shooting make him a valuable asset for the Indiana Pacers who had the number-one ranked offense in the NBA.

Kristaps Porzingis had a strong season with the Boston Celtics in the regular season, averaging 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game on 37.5% from three. His combination of size, shooting, and shot-blocking ability places him in the fringe All-Star category and his sheer size and skill at center helped the Boston Celtics wipe the floor with the league en route to their franchise-record 18th NBA championship.

Tier 5 (Key Starters)

Nic Claxton, Isaiah Hartenstein, Clint Capela, Nikola Vucevic, Naz Reid, Jusuf Nurkic, Deandre Ayton, Wendell Carter Jr., Walker Kessler, Brook Lopez, Jonas Valanciunas, Jalen Duren

Nic Claxton has emerged as a key defensive anchor for the Brooklyn Nets, averaging 11.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game. His defensive impact and rebounding make him a vital player for his team and he could be an interesting trade option for some title contenders as well.

Isaiah Hartenstein became a reliable starter for the New York Knicks in the absence of Mitchell Robinson but will now start a new role with the Oklahoma City Thunder. This past season, the big man contributed 7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. His energy and defensive presence will be crucial for the Thunder’s depth.

Clint Capela continues to be a dominant force on the boards, averaging 11.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. His rebounding and shot-blocking are key elements of the Atlanta Hawks' defense although he has been dangled in trade rumors all year long.

Nikola Vucevic remains a productive scorer and rebounder, averaging 18.0 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. His ability to stretch the floor and provide a scoring punch from the center position is vital for the Chicago Bulls but his lack of defensive capabilities relegates him to Tier 5 based on the 2023-24 season.

Naz Reid has developed into an untouchable player for the Minnesota Timberwolves, averaging 13.5 points and 5.2 rebounds per game on 41.4% from three. His versatility and scoring ability off the bench are important for his team's success and he ended up winning Sixth Man of the Year.

Jusuf Nurkic provides a strong presence in the paint for the Portland Trail Blazers, averaging 10.9 points and 11.0 rebounds per game. His physicality and rebounding are key aspects of his game and the Phoenix Suns were able to trust the big man when it came to finishing inside and grabbing rebounds.

Deandre Ayton has become a key starter for the Portland Trail Blazers, averaging 16.7 points and 11.1 rebounds per game with his new team. His ability to score in the paint and control the boards makes him a valuable player although he still hasn’t shown enough to reach his potential as a potential All-Star player.

The 6’10”, 25-year-old Wendell Carter Jr. continues to be a solid contributor for the Orlando Magic, averaging 11.0 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. His versatility and defensive abilities make him a key starter for a team that finished with a playoff spot and went to Game 7 in the first round.

Walker Kessler has shown promise as a starting center for the Utah Jazz, averaging 8.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game. His shot-blocking and rebounding are standout aspects of his game although he will need to start showing improvements in his offensive game to reach a different level as a starter.

Brook Lopez remains a key contributor for the Milwaukee Bucks, averaging 12.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game. His ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim is valuable for the Bucks even if he is 36 years and counting.

Lithuanian center Jonas Valanciunas provides a strong presence in the paint for the New Orleans Pelicans, averaging 12.2 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. His scoring and rebounding made him a key starter for the Pelicans but he will start a new chapter with the Washington Wizards next season.

No doubt, Jalen Duren has emerged as a promising young center for the Detroit Pistons, averaging 13.8 points and 11.6 rebounds per game this past season. His athleticism and rebounding abilities are notable for a player early in his career and there could be plenty more to come from the 20-year-old. 

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