NBA Fantasy Basketball Rankings: Centers (C)

John LorgeOct 4, 2008

These rankings should help you prepare for your draft, and spur some debate. Some of these players can play multiple fantasy positions.

Top 10:

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1. Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs

Duncan has been a double digit rebounder in each of his 11 seasons and don’t expect this to change. He has been criticized for his free throw shooting, but shot 73.0 percent last year, in addition to his 49.7 percent from the field, and 19.3 points per game. Duncan blocks shots and is a good passer, with a 3.1 assist per game career average.

Duncan’s numbers always decline after a title year, then rise the following season as he attempts to get back on top.

2. Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic

Superman averaged 20.7 points and 14.2 rebounds per game last season while shooting 59.9 percent from the field. Dwight is a poor free throw shooter at 60.3 percent for his career, which wouldn’t be such an issue if he didn’t attempt a league leading 897 free throws last year. Dwight blocked 2.2 shots per game and stole 74 balls.

Howard’s game is rapidly improving and he is primed for a monstrous year.

3. Marcus Camby, Los Angles Clippers

In his first season to the Clippers, Camby will share the frontcourt with Chris Kaman. This could detract from his 13.1 rebounds per game last season, but his 9.1 points per game scoring average may rise away from Denver’s duo. The former Minuteman is an average shooter, at 45.0 percent from the field and 70.8 percent from the stripe last season. Camby has averaged over three blocks, one steal and under two turnovers for each of the past three seasons.

He was very upset about the trade from Denver, and should play inspired basketball this year. His 79 games played last year was the third time he broke the 70 game mark in 12 seasons.

4. Yao Ming, Houston Rockets

Yao has averaged 23.0 points and 10.1 rebounds per game over the past three seasons. Unfortunately he has only averaged 53 games per season as well. Yao is a career 52.0 percent field goal shooter, and hits from the line with a 85.0 free throw percentage. At 7-5 without shoes, Yao is an imposing shot blocker.

If he can play a full season, Yao will give your squad a big boost.

5. Al Jefferson, Minnesota Timberwolves

In his fifth year out of high school, Al Jefferson is developing quite the reputation in the NBA. Last season he gave owners 21.1 points, and 11.1 rebounds, including 3.8 offensive rebounds per contest. He played all 82 games for the first time in his career, shot 50.0 percent from the field, and blocked 119 shots.

Jefferson still has untapped potential, but there are a lot of new pieces in play for the T-Wolves this season.

6. Brad Miller, Sacramento Kings

If you are looking for a center that can pass draft Miller. His career-high assists average is 4.7 per game, in 2005-06. The former Boilermaker shot 84.8 percent from the stripe, and averaged 9.5 rebounds and 13.4 points per game last season.

Miller is not really physical, but he is one of the more skilled centers in the game.

7. Tyson Chandler, New Orleans Hornets

Last season Chandler had his first double digit scoring season, at 11.8 points per game. As the recipient of many Chris Paul lobs, the former number two pick finished 62.3 percent of his attempts. His field goal percentage did eclipse his 59.3 percent free throw percentage last year. Chandler hits the glass with 11.8 rebounds and a league leading 4.1 offensive rebounds per game.

Disappointingly, Tyson only blocked 84 shots last year, but a friend of CP3 should be a friend of your fantasy team.

8. Andrew Bynum, Los Angles Lakers

Last season in 28 minutes of play Bynum averaged 13.1 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.1 blocks while shooting 63.6 percent. If he can increase his minutes and play the entire year, we could be looking at a top five center.

The tutelage of Lakers great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has helped Bynum develop into possibly the next great Lakers center. If you feel assured he is healthy reach up and draft him.

9. Mehmet Okur, Utah Jazz

Okur is the only true center that is a legitimate three point threat with 114 makes last season. His 7.7 rebounds per game are marginal, and he only blocked 29 shots last season. His 14.5 points per game last season came with a 44.5 field goal percentage and 80.4 free throw percentage.

He is not a traditional center, but depending on the makeup of your team, could be a nice addition.

10. Greg Oden, Portland Trail Blazers

Although he is yet to step on the court, Oden is primed for a huge season. Expect a double-double average with more than two blocks per game. Oden has had plenty of time to practice free throws, and his mid range jumper should be on point.

There is an injury risk when you draft Oden, but there is All-Star potential too. Oden is the front-runner for NBA Rooke of the Year.

Next Best:

Emeka Okafor, Charlotte Bobcats

42 double-doubles last season lead to Okafor’s 14.3 points and 10.8 rebounds per game average.

Al Horford, Atlanta Hawks

Horford did not disappoint in his rookie season, with 10.1 points and 9.7 rebounds per game.

Andrew Bogut, Milwaukee Bucks

Bogut is a solid option at center with 14.4 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game last season.

Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Cleveland Cavilers

Big Z produced last season with 14.1 points, 9.3 rebounds and a 80.3 free throw percentage.

Don't Sleep On:

Chris Kaman, Los Angles Clippers