The center position is the team's main person who defends the paint, grabs rebounds, and score. The center is the main big man between the power forward. They are known as rim protectors as they are the last line of defense if a player on offense attacks the basket. These guys are mostly the biggest guys on the court, depending who is playing, but these guys can make big plays. They are a lot of NBA centers right now, but I have five current players who I believe are the best in the league going into next season. Time to get this list started with number five!
5. Karl Anthony-Towns (Call me "old one" more time, Karl!!)
Starting the list of is current rookie of the and Minnesota Timberwolves, cornerstone Karl Anthony-Towns. He has just finished a great rookie year averaging 18.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, shot 34.1% from three, and 54.2% from the field. He was the number one pick in last year's draft from Kentucky and he definitely proved his worth. With Towns on the Timberwolves will be an up and coming team in the league with another rookie of the year Andrew Wiggins, this year's pick Kris Dunn, Ricky Rubio, and mentor to Karl Anthony-Towns Kevin Garnett. The future looks bright with this team's young core and mentoring by KG. I expect Towns to be an elite center either this year or next year. With Kevin Garnett being his mentor, I know that Karl will be a great big man in the league for years.
4. Hassan Whiteside (Dwayne Wade went where?!?!?!)
At number four it is Hassan Whiteside for the Miami Heat. After losing franchise star and heart of Miami, Dwayne Wade, along with Luol Deng and Joe Johnson, people will look to see how Whiteside will do without them. Last regular season, Whiteside averaged 14.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, and shot 60.6% from the field. In the playoffs, he averaged 12 points, 10.9 rebounds, and shot 68.1% from the field. Whiteside will look to help the Heat move past the Dwayne Wade era with Chris Bosh and Goran Dragic. I believe that the heat will focus most of it's offense on Hassan and that the heat will be a lower seed in the Heat. Despite the Heat's losses Whiteside will continue to have a good season.
3. DeAndre Jordan (The face you make when DeAndre Jordan shoots free throws)
At the third spot is DeAndre Jordan of the Los Angeles Clippers. Last season was a weird one for the Clippers as injuries had them knocked out of the first round of the playoffs against the Trailblazers. Last season, DeAndre Jordan averaged 12.7 points, 13.8 rebounds, 2.3 blocks per game, and shot 70.3% from the field. In the playoffs, he averaged 11.7 points, 16.3 rebounds, 2.7 blocks, and shot 63.2% from the field. DJ is a great defender and great rebounder, but his free throw shooting could use some work. With Chris Paul and Blake Griffin entering their last season of their contract fans will be looking to see how the trio of Paul, Griffin, and Jordan play in their last season together.
2. Andre Drummond (When you realize you have to shoot free throws.)
At number two is Detroit Pistons center, Andre Drummond. He helped lead the Pistons to a playoff appearance along with point guard Reggie Jackson. Last season, he averaged 16.2 points, 14.8 rebounds, and shot 52.1% from the field. In the playoffs he averaged 16.8 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 51.9% from the field. Last season was a good one for Detroit, as they made the playoffs after not making an appearance in a while. They will look to improve from last season with the addition of favorite Boban Marjanovic. As long as Andre is in Detroit, the Pistons will have a bright future.
1. DeMarcus Cousins (Why am I still on this team?)
At the number one is DeMarcus "Boogie" Cousins, who plays for the Sacramento Kings. He is the star of this team but also has a lot of baggage with him. Some say that he can't be coached and has an attitude problem. He just needs the right coach to help him be the superstar he is. Last season, he averaged 26.9 points, 11.5 rebounds, and shot 45.1% from the field. With rumors swirling around the NBA about him getting traded he will look to either play for the Kings or show teams what he can do for them. I believe that Cousins needs a change of scenery to help him become an even better player.
There are my top five centers entering the season! This upcoming season will be exciting with all the moves that happened this off-season and players are looking to prove themselves. The new players who signed to new places are seeking to make their mark on the NBA.
