Ranking The Best NBA Centers Every Year Since 2000

The center position has always been a crucial part of any NBA team’s success. From the dominant Shaquille O’Neal in the early 2000s to the versatile Nikola Jokic in recent years, the center position has seen a wide range of players excel in different ways. The size and strength of centers make them a valuable asset on both ends of the court, as they can score in the paint and defend the rim. While the NBA has evolved to become more guard-oriented, centers continue to play a crucial role in the success of championship teams.

There is no doubt that the most dominant position throughout NBA history has been the center position, even if the NBA is turning into a guard and forward-driven league. Big men have led teams to the most NBA titles throughout history when taking into account George Mikan of the Minneapolis Lakers, Bill Russell with the Boston Celtics, and even Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers. No doubt, having a dominant center might be the most important path for teams to immediately rebuild, and we could be seeing a new dominant force coming up in Victor Wembanyama.

In this article, we will take a look at the best NBA center per season from 2000 until 2023. We will analyze each player’s statistics, accolades, and impact on their team’s success. From the dominant post play of Shaquille O’Neal to the recent all-around dominance of the unique Nikola Jokic, we will explore the unique skill sets that have made these centers stand out from the rest. Additionally, we will examine how the center position has evolved over the years and how these players have adapted to the changing landscape of the NBA. So, sit back and enjoy as we take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the greatest centers to ever play the game over the last two decades, from the year 2000 until the 2023 season.

 2000-2006: Shaquille O’Neal

Career Stats: 23.7 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.6 SPG, 2.3 BPG

Career Honors And Awards: 4x NBA Champion, 3x Finals MVP, 1999-00 MVP, 15x All-Star, 14x All-NBA Team Selection, 3x All-Defensive Team Selection, 2x Scoring Champion, 1992-93 Rookie of the Year, Hall of Fame 

Between 2000 and 2006, Shaquille O’Neal was a dominant force in the NBA, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to three consecutive championships from 2000 to 2002. He was a physical specimen, standing at 7’1″ and weighing over 300 pounds, with incredible strength and agility for his size. Shaq was a dominant scorer, averaging over 27 points per game during the 2000-2001 season, and was also a force on the defensive end, averaging over 10 RPG and 2 BPG during his prime years.

What set Shaq apart from other centers during this time period was his ability to dominate in the playoffs. He was a clutch performer, averaging over 33 PPG in the NBA Finals during the Lakers’ three championship runs. Shaq’s presence on the court also opened up opportunities for his teammates, as he was often double-teamed, leaving other players open for easy baskets. Even in the 2005-06 season, when Shaq was Dwyane Wade’s sidekick, he was still a forceful figure in the post, and his ability to score inside and provide championship experience helped the Miami Heat capture the NBA title, which became the center’s fourth ring.

In addition to his on-court dominance, Shaq was also a larger-than-life personality off the court, with a charismatic and entertaining persona that made him a fan favorite. He was a media darling, appearing in movies and TV shows, and was known for his playful and humorous interactions with reporters and fans. His dominance and charisma during the early 2000s helped cement his legacy as one of the all-time greats, and his impact on the game of basketball will be felt for generations to come.

2007: Amar’e Stoudemire

Career Stats: 18.9 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.2 BPG

Career Honors And Awards: 6x All-Star, 5x All-NBA Team Selection, 2002-03 Rookie of the Year

Despite being a natural power forward for the majority of his career, Amar’e Stoudemire actually started at center for the 2006-07 Phoenix Suns and had his breakout season as a result. In fact, Stoudemire ended up making the All-NBA First Team ahead of Yao Ming at the center position due to his statistics and impact. The Suns’ All-Star had a phenomenal 2006-07 season as he averaged 20.4 PPG, 9.6 RPG, and 1.3 BPG while shooting an impressive 57.5% from the field.

Stoudemire’s athleticism and explosiveness made him a dominant force on both ends of the court, as he was able to score in a variety of ways and also protect the rim with his shot-blocking ability. No doubt, Stoudemire’s greatest strength was his ability to finish at the rim. He was a master of the pick-and-roll, using his quickness and leaping ability to catch lobs and throw down thunderous dunks. He was also a skilled post player, using his strength and footwork to score over defenders with ease.

Stoudemire’s scoring prowess was complemented by his rebounding, as he was able to grab boards on both ends of the court and start fast breaks with his speed and ball-handling ability. Amar’e Stoudemire’s 2007 season was a testament to his incredible talent and skill as a big man. He was able to dominate on both ends of the court, using his athleticism, scoring ability, and defensive prowess to lead the Phoenix Suns to a 61-21 record and a trip to the Western Conference Semifinals.

 2008-2012: Dwight Howard

Career Stats: 15.7 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.8 BPG

Career Honors And Awards: 2019-20 NBA Champion, 8x All-Star, 8x All-NBA Team Selection, 5x All-Defensive Team Selection, 3x Defensive Player of the Year, 5x Rebounding Champion, 2x Blocks Champion

Dwight Howard had a remarkable run as a center between 2008 and 2012. During this time, he established himself as the most dominant big man in the league, almost by default. Howard’s physical attributes, including his size, strength, and athleticism, made him a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court. He was a tenacious rebounder, leading the league in rebounds per game for three consecutive seasons from 2008 to 2010. Howard was also a formidable shot-blocker, averaging over 2.0 BPG during this period.

Offensively, Howard was a reliable scorer, averaging over 20 PPG in three of the five seasons between 2008 and 2012. He was a force in the paint, using his size and strength to overpower defenders and finish at the rim and especially in the pick-n-roll. What truly set Howard apart from other centers during this time was his defensive prowess. He was a three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, and his ability to anchor a defense was unparalleled. Howard’s presence in the paint made it difficult for opposing teams to score inside, and his shot-blocking ability was a game-changer. When mentioning the game’s greatest defensive players, Howard’s name should appear among the very best. 

2013: Marc Gasol

Career Stats: 14.0 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 3.4 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.4 BPG

Career Honors And Awards: 2018-19 NBA Champion, 3x All-Star, 2x All-NBA Team Selection, 2012-13 All-Defensive Team Selection, 2012-13 Defensive Player of the Year

Marc Gasol had an outstanding 2013 season as the All-Star center for the Memphis Grizzlies. He was a key player in leading the team to the Western Conference Finals, and his performance on both ends of the court was exceptional, as he averaged 14.1 PPG, 7.8 RPG, and 1.7 BPG during the regular season. He also had a then-career-high 4.0 APG, showcasing his ability to facilitate the offense.

Gasol’s impact on the Grizzlies’ defense was particularly noteworthy. He was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2013, thanks to his ability to protect the rim and anchor the team’s defense. Gasol’s defensive prowess was also evident in his advanced statistics, as he had a defensive win share of 5.4 and led the NBA in Defensive Box Plus/Minus (3.1). The Spanish giant was also very solid offensively, thanks to his ability to score from both inside and outside the paint.

Gasol had a solid mid-range game and was an excellent passer, which made him a valuable asset in the Grizzlies’ offense. Gasol had an offensive win share of 6.1, meaning he was more than a defensive star. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the court, coupled with his leadership and work ethic, made him a valuable asset to the Grizzlies and a deserving recipient of the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award which meant there wasn’t a better center than Gasol that year.

2014: Joakim Noah

Career Stats: 8.8 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 2.8 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.3 BPG

Career Honors And Awards: 2x All-Star, 2013-14 All-NBA Team Selection, 3x All-Defensive Team Selection, 2013-14 Defensive Player of the Year

Joakim Noah had an exceptional 2014 season as a center for the Chicago Bulls, and there wasn’t a better big man in the NBA that year. He was a dominant force on both ends of the court, averaging 12.6 PPG, 11.3 RPG, and 5.4 APG. Noah’s defensive prowess was particularly impressive, as he led the league in defensive win shares and was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Noah’s willingness to play his heart out on every possession truly made him elite beyond his high basketball IQ.

Even as a great defender, Noah was also a key facilitator for the Bulls’ offense, often initiating plays from the high post and creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. It is not often a center posts over 5.0 APG, but Noah did it and it was critical for the team to find offense consistently. Even if he could not shoot a lick, Noah was also active around the paint to put back offensive rebounds and also finish easy layups when receiving passes from his guards.

Overall, Noah’s leadership and intensity were also crucial to the Bulls’ success, as he served as a vocal and emotional leader both on and off the court. His impact on the team was evident in their record, as the Bulls finished the season with a 48-34 record and made it to the playoffs. Noah spearheaded the number one-ranked defensive team in the NBA in 2014 and it was clear he was the game’s best big man. 

2015: Marc Gasol

Career Stats: 14.0 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 3.4 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.4 BPG

Career Honors And Awards: 2018-19 NBA Champion, 3x All-Star, 2x All-NBA Team Selection, 2012-13 All-Defensive Team Selection, 2012-13 Defensive Player of the Year

Marc Gasol once again reigned as the NBA’s best center. Gasol was a key player in the team’s success, leading them to a 55-27 record and a second-round playoff berth. Gasol’s performance on both ends of the court was exceptional, making him the most dominant center in the league. Offensively, Gasol was a force to be reckoned with. He averaged 17.4 PPG, shooting an impressive 49.4% from the field. He also had a solid 7.8 RPG, showing his ability to control the boards.

Gasol’s passing skills were also on display, as he averaged 3.8 APG, making him a valuable playmaker for the Grizzlies. Of course, defensively, Gasol was a standout player. He averaged 1.6 BPG, showing his ability to protect the rim. He also had a solid 0.9 SPG, showing his ability to disrupt the opposing team’s offense. Gasol’s defensive presence was a key factor in the Grizzlies’ success, as he was able to shut down some of the league’s best players.

Gasol’s leadership and work ethic were also key factors in his success. He was a vocal leader on the court, always pushing his teammates to perform at their best. Gasol’s dedication to his craft was evident in his work ethic, and he was consistent in his second All-Star Team appearance. DeMarcus Cousins was a close competitor, but Gasol was the better all-around player and leader.

2016: DeMarcus Cousins

Career Stats: 19.6 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.1 BPG

Career Honors And Awards: 4x All-Star, 2x All-Defensive Team Selection

DeMarcus Cousins had a standout 2016 season as a center for the Sacramento Kings in his final season with the franchise. He was a dominant force on the court, averaging 26.9 PPG, 11.5 RPG, and 3.3 APG. Cousins was also a skilled passer and had a strong defensive presence, averaging 1.6 SPG and 1.4 BPG. He was named to the All-NBA Second Team and was selected to play in the All-Star Game for the second time in his career.

Cousins’ ability to score from both inside and outside the paint made him a versatile threat on offense, and his size and strength made him a formidable opponent in the post. Despite his team’s struggles, Cousins’ individual performance was impressive and cemented his status as one of the top centers in the league. His combination of scoring, rebounding, passing, and defense made him a well-rounded player and a valuable asset to any team.

While there were other talented centers in the league in 2016, including All-NBA First Team performer DeAndre Jordan, Cousins’ statistical dominance and impact on the court make a strong case for him as the greatest center of that season. Jordan was dominant on defense, but playing alongside Chris Paul and Blake Griffin boosted his numbers, while Cousins was the most unstoppable force in the league despite playing on a bad team.

2017-2018: Anthony Davis

Career Stats: 24.0 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.3 SPG, 2.3 BPG

Career Honors And Awards: 2019-20 NBA Champion, 8x All-Star, 4x All-NBA Team Selection, 4x All-Defensive Team Selection, 3x Blocks Champion

Anthony Davis is mainly regarded as a power forward, and for good reason, because he dominates that position much better. However, thanks to the fact that he made back-to-back All-NBA First Team appearances as a center, Davis was the best big man in the NBA in 2017 and 2018. He was a dominant force on both ends of the court, showcasing his versatility and athleticism. Davis averaged 28.0 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.3 SPG, and 2.2 BPG, making him one of the most well-rounded players in the league in 2017. He followed that up, averaging 28.1 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.5 SPG, and 2.6 BPG in 2018.

Davis also had a player efficiency rating (PER) of 28.9, which is the third-highest mark of his career. Davis was a key factor in the Pelicans’ success in 2018, leading them to the playoffs for the first time since 2015. He was a dominant force in the postseason as well, averaging 30.1 PPG, 13.4 RPG, 2.0 SPG, and 2.3 BPG in the first round against the Portland Trail Blazers. Davis’ performance in that series was one of the most impressive in recent memory, solidifying his status as one of the best players in the league.

What sets Davis apart from other big men was his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. He is a dominant scorer, a tenacious rebounder, and a formidable defender. His combination of size, speed, and skill make him a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. Davis’ versatility and athleticism allowed him to dominate the paint despite not playing most of the time in his favored power forward position.

2019-2023: Nikola Jokic

Career Stats: 20.2 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 6.6 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.7 BPG

Career Honors And Awards: 2x MVP, 5x All-Star, 5x All-NBA Team Selection

Nikola Jokic has been a standout big man in the NBA between 2019 and 2023 without disrespect to this year’s MVP, Joel Embiid. He has consistently been one of the top performers in the league, earning multiple All-Star selections and being named to the All-NBA Team five times. With back-to-back MVP awards to his name, Jokic also joins a special company as a consistent performer for his team. No doubt, Jokic has placed the Denver Nuggets on the map as a legitimate title contender over the past few seasons.

Jokic’s unique skill set as a center has made him a difficult matchup for opposing teams. He is an excellent passer, with the ability to find his teammates with precision and accuracy. Jokic is also a strong rebounder, consistently pulling down double-digit boards per game. His scoring ability is also impressive, with a career average of over 20 PPG. Jokic’s versatility on the court has made him a valuable asset to the Denver Nuggets, who have seen success with him as their centerpiece as evidenced by their Finals appearance in the 2023 playoffs.

Jokic’s consistent dominance on the court and ability to impact the game in multiple ways makes him the strongest candidate for the title of greatest big man between 2019 and 2023. We have never seen a player pass the ball at 7 feet tall like Jokic, and the Serbian also has an incredibly high basketball IQ which is why he can put up triple-doubles with ease. As great as Joel Embiid has been, Jokic’s back-to-back MVP awards, ridiculous triple-double ability, and the prospect of winning his first NBA title have placed him as the NBA’s best center over the past five seasons, and it should not be much of a debate. 

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