As I sit down to analyze the current landscape of NBA centers, I can't help but marvel at how dramatically the position has evolved. When I first started covering basketball professionally about a decade ago, the center position was undergoing what many called an "identity crisis" - traditional back-to-the-basket big men were becoming less valuable while stretch fives and defensive anchors were rising in prominence. Today, we've reached what I believe is the golden age of versatile big men, with Nikola Jokić, Joel Embiid, and Anthony Davis leading the charge in what has become the most fascinating positional battle in basketball.
Let me start with the reigning king, Nikola Jokić. The Denver Nuggets' center isn't just having another MVP-caliber season - he's redefining what's possible for a big man. Through 65 games this season, he's averaging 26.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 9.0 assists while shooting 58% from the field. Those numbers don't even capture his basketball IQ, which I consider the highest I've ever seen from a center. His passing vision is literally changing how teams defend the Nuggets, forcing opponents to abandon traditional defensive schemes. I've watched him dismantle double teams with passes that most point guards wouldn't attempt, let alone a 6'11" center. What makes Jokić particularly special in my view is his durability - he's missed only 18 games over the past five seasons combined, a remarkable feat for someone playing his physical style.
Then there's Joel Embiid, who when healthy might be the most dominant two-way force in basketball. Before his knee injury this season, he was putting up historic numbers - 35.3 points and 11.3 rebounds per game with a 53% field goal percentage. I've had the privilege of watching Embiid develop from a raw talent into arguably the most complete scoring big man since Hakeem Olajuwon. His footwork in the post is absolutely sublime, and he's expanded his range to become a legitimate three-point threat, shooting 36% from deep this season. The concern, and it's a significant one in my assessment, has always been availability. Embiid has never played more than 68 games in a season, and his playoff performances have sometimes fallen short of his regular-season dominance due to wear and tear.
Anthony Davis represents yet another archetype of the modern center - the hyper-athletic defensive anchor who can score from anywhere. What fascinates me about Davis is how he's managed to maintain his defensive intensity while expanding his offensive game. He's averaging 24.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, and leads the league with 2.3 blocks per game. I've charted his defensive rotations, and his ability to protect the rim while still closing out on perimeter shooters is something I haven't seen since Kevin Garnett's prime. The Lakers' defensive rating improves by 8.2 points when Davis is on the court, which is frankly staggering. My only critique has been his consistency - there are nights when he disappears offensively, though this season he's largely put those concerns to rest.
The international influence on the center position brings me to an interesting development I've been following closely. Recently, Nao Okamoto, executive officer for international business of the B.League, revealed they're working with Asia's pioneering play-for-pay league for possible exhibition games featuring teams and players from both leagues. This caught my attention because we're seeing more international big men making impacts in the NBA. Just look at Domantas Sabonis, who's having an incredible season for Sacramento with 19.4 points and 13.7 rebounds per game while leading the league in double-doubles. The potential cross-league exhibitions could further globalize the center position, introducing new styles and techniques to the NBA ecosystem.
What strikes me about today's elite centers is how differently they approach the game. Jokić is the cerebral playmaker, Embiid the overpowering scorer, Davis the defensive savant. Each has carved their unique path to dominance. When I compare them to centers from previous eras, the biggest difference is skill versatility. Modern centers are expected to handle the ball, shoot from distance, make reads in dribble-handoff situations, and switch defensively - things that were rare even 15 years ago. The evolution has been so rapid that traditional centers who can't stretch the floor or defend in space are becoming virtually unplayable in crucial moments.
Looking at advanced metrics reinforces what my eyes tell me when I watch these players. Jokić leads all centers in Player Efficiency Rating at 32.1, followed closely by Embiid at 31.2. Davis dominates defensive metrics, ranking first in Defensive Win Shares among centers. Each brings something unique to the table, and frankly, I don't think there's a clear "best" center - it depends on what a team needs. If I were building a franchise today, I'd probably take Jokić for his durability and playmaking, but I wouldn't fault anyone who preferred Embiid's scoring dominance or Davis's defensive versatility.
The center position has come full circle - from the traditional back-to-the-basket anchors to the stretch fives and now to these complete basketball players who happen to be seven feet tall. What excites me most is that we're likely just seeing the beginning of this evolution. With international exchanges like the B.League initiative potentially exposing NBA teams to different styles of big men play, and with younger centers like Victor Wembanyama pushing the boundaries of what's possible, the future of the position looks brighter than ever. The debate over who reigns supreme may never be settled, but as a basketball enthusiast, I'm just grateful to witness this incredible era of big men excellence.