Erick Blasco's Top 30 NBA Centers

Okafor certainly is athletic, can rebound, and can block shots, but that’s virtually all he can do. He’s never developed any legit offensive moves, and gets all his points by crashing the glass, or crude, clumsy post moves.

On defense, Okafor’s athletic, but fragile, and can be pushed around easily by bigger, stronger players. Whether it’s been injuries or Sam Vincent’s inept coaching, Okafor’s never developed into what he was projected to be.

15) Andrew Bogut—Milwaukee Bucks

Bogut’s too slow, too unathletic, and isn’t talented enough to come close to justify being the first pick in the NBA draft in 2005. However, he’s big enough to be an adequate post defender, is a skilled passer, and has a decent right-handed hook around the basket. He’s mediocrity personified, which lands him smack dab in the middle of the list.

16) DeSagana Diop—Dallas Mavericks

Diop is probably the best post defender in the league, thanks to his diligent work ethic, quick feet, and massive frame. He’ll even move his feet on switches., and uses angles well to hang with guards and wings for a beat or two before being outraced.

His screens are massive, but he has poor awareness offensively and no refined offensive skill to hang his hat on. He can’t pass, or shoot, and is turnover-prone.

17) Anderson Varejao—Cleveland Cavaliers

When Varejao isn’t doing Sideshow Bob imitations, he’s actively defending, constantly hustling, rebounding, running, jumping, and flopping. His offensive game is non-existent, but he’s a madman on defense where his quickness and unbridled energy enable him to be a quality defender in the league.

18) Samuel Dalembert—Philadelphia 76ers

Dalembert is a big-time shot-blocker who’s much better defending from the weak side than the strong side as he can be attacked directly by stronger players. On offense, Dalembert has a somewhat reliable 16-footer, though he hoists too many bad shots for somebody with limited range and an iffy jumper.

19) Al Horford—Atlanta Hawks

Horford isn’t a very good defensive center yet, though the commitment to playing defense is certainly there. While he has the strength, Horford has to get tougher and be less disinclined to bump and bang. His post moves are limited, though he has a reliable elbow jumper and is a powerful rebounder.

In actuality, Horford is a power forward playing center on the Hawks only because of the franchise’s lack of quality big men.

20) Brad Miller—Sacramento Kings

While his numbers certainly look stable enough, Miller is one of the softest, slowest, most defenseless players in the entire league. His only skills that stand out are his elbow jump-shooting (easily duplicated by many), and his wonderful passwork (duplicated only by a select few).

There’s more to being a good center than simply being able to pick-and-pop and pass.

21) Kendrick Perkins—Boston Celtics

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