Dwight Howard, Pau Gasol and the Top 10 Centers in the NBA

With all the talented and athletic guards in the NBA, some people seem to forget about the big men. What NBA team doesn't a big guy who can scrap around for rebounds and score some points?

The NBA has seen some great centers in the past and there is a new breed of big men in the NBA today. These guys have developed into solid players who are fun to watch.

Here are the top centers in the NBA today.

10.) Anderson Varejao

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO - APRIL 22: Anderson Varejao #17 of the Cleveland Cavaliers complains about a foul called against him in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on April 22, 20

Anderson Varejao is one of those big guys who can play both power forward and center. This is Varejao's seventh season in the NBA. and he has been a solid player for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Varejao is averaging nearly a double-double per contest with 9.8 points and 10.8 points per game. Without LeBron James, other players on the Cavs have a chance to shine, and this is Varejao's chance.

9.) Marc Gasol

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

PHOENIX - NOVEMBER 25: Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies lays up a shot over Channing Frye #8 of the Phoenix Suns during the NBA game at US Airways Center on November 25, 2009 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Grizzlies 126-111. NOTE TO U

Marc Gasol as we all know is the younger brother of Pau Gasol. Marc Gasol is in his third season with the Grizzlies and is developing into a solid player. No. 33 can dominate the paint and averages close to a double-double with 12 points and 8 rebounds.

The Grizzlies have a good young core of players and Gasol is a key ingredient for them to be successful.

8.) Emeka Okafor

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS - OCTOBER 13: Emeka Okafor #50 of the New Orleans Hornets makes a shot over Joel Anthony #50 of the Miami Heat at the New Orleans Arena on October 13, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that,

The seventh year man out of UConn averaged a double-double during the first five seasons of his career. Okafor got traded to the Hornets last season and his numbers have decreased a bit. Although the decline in points and rebounds, Okafor remains as one of the solid big men in the league.

This was a great trade for the Hornets last season as he will be valuable down the stretch.

7.) Andrew Bogut

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

PHOENIX - JANUARY 11: Andrew Bogut #6 of the Milwaukee Bucks handles the ball under pressure from Channing Frye #8 of the Phoenix Suns during the NBA game at US Airways Center on January 11, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Rockets 118-110

After his season-ending injury in 2009-2010, Andrew Bogut is back this year and having a productive season thus far. Bogut is averaging almost 15 points with 11 rebounds per game.

Along with young point guard Brandon Jennings, he and Bogut make a solid duo and Milwaukee and should make another playoff push in the 2010-2011 season.

6.) Roy Hibbert

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA - OCTOBER 28: Roy Hibbert #55 of the Indiana Pacers against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on October 28, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Roy Hibbert, a 7'2, 278-pound monster, has improved every season he has been in the NBA. The Indiana Pacers have a great talent in this kid. Hibbert is a legit big man out of Georgetown, and he shows it night in and night out on the court.

Hibbert is averaging an impressive 15 points and 10 rebounds per game. Watch out for Hibbert this season, as he will continue to be productive.

5.) Al Jefferson

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

PHOENIX - OCTOBER 12: Al Jefferson #25 of the Utah Jazz puts up a shot during the preseason NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on October 12, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by down

After spending three seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Al Jefferson finally gets to showcase his a abilities with a playoff contending team. The Jazz brought in Jefferson in a trade with Minnesota in the off-season, and what a trade it was.

The Jazz have a talented squad, and Jefferson might be the final piece they need to get past the Lakers in the post-season. Jefferson's 18 points and nine rebounds per game will contribute greatly throughout the course of the season.

4.) Al Horford

Doug Benc/Getty Images

ORLANDO, FL - MAY 06: Al Horford #15 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after picking up his fifth personal foul in the fourth quarter against the Orlando Magic in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at Amway Arena on May

The big man from Florida is having his best season as a pro in this young NBA season. Al Horford is averaging 17 points and nine rebounds per game. Horford help lead the Hawks to a 6-0 start before dropping their last two.

Horford has been pretty consistent through eight games and the Hawks will need that to continue if they want to make a playoff push.

3.) Dwight Howard

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

BOSTON - MAY 28: Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic dunks against the Boston Celtics in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on May 28, 2010 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly ackno

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard has been dominating NBA big men since he entered the league in 2004. Howard's aggressive dunks and jumping ability makes him the most fun to watch.

Howard is averaging a career-high 23 points so far this season, and if this continues he is going to have a monster season. Howard and the Magic desperately want to get back to the NBA finals, and hopefully to get some revenge on the Lakers.

2.) Joakim Noah

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 01: Joakim Noah #13 of the Chicago Bulls puts up a shot against the Portland Trail Blazers at the United Center on November 1, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Trail Blazers 110-98. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowle

Joakim Noah, the 6'11 center is making a name for himself as one of the best big men in the NBA. He gets the edge over Dwight Howard because he is averaging four more rebound with 15. That is one of the most important things with being a center, crashing the boards.

Noah has also contributed on the offense dropping 15 points per game. When Carlos Boozer returns, he and Noah will be one of the best front courts in basketball.

1.) Pau Gasol

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 05: Pau Gasol #16 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots over Andrea Bargnani #7 of the Toronto Raptors at Staples Center on November 5, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by

Number one on the list is Lakers' center Pau Gasol. Since being criticized for his play in the 2007-2008 NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, Gasol has helped the Lakers bring home two more NBA titles.

Gasol has got off to a hot start this season, averaging 24 points per game. If he continues to play like this, the Lakers will be even more of a favorite to win the NBA Finals this season.

He and Kobe Bryant should get through the west easily.