NBA 2K24: Unveiling the Ultimate Ranking of the Top 10 Centers

Highlights

Centers have become the game-changers in NBA 2K24 and in the actual NBA, with three consecutive years of centers winning the MVP award.

Deandre Ayton, Jarrett Allen, Rudy Gobert, Myles Turner, Brook Lopez, Karl-Anthony Towns, Kristaps Porzingis, Bam Adebayo, Joel Embiid, and Nikola Jokic are prominently known as dominant centers in the league.

NBA 2K24 emphasizes the significance of centers, demonstrating their expertise on both offense and defense, and their capability to influence the game in diverse manners.

No center had won an MVP award leading up to 2021, until now. The discussions of centers being phased out in favor of forwards seem like a distant memory as we approach NBA 2K24 and the NBA itself. The game-changing players, both in NBA 2K24 and in the league, are now predominantly centers.

In the past three years, the MVP award has been dominated by centers, with the runner-up also being a center. This resurgence of centers as the focal point is undeniable and NBA 2K24 will greatly emphasize the importance of centers for teams aiming to be at the top.

10 Deandre Ayton - 84

Critics often overlook Deandre Ayton's strong rookie year and consistent performance since then. However, it is important to note that the Phoenix Suns matched the offer presented by the Pacers when he joined them as a free agent, highlighting his value. Ayton's ability to hold his ground against other dominant centers in the league is noteworthy, especially considering their prominence in MVP discussions. If Ayton continues to make improvements, Phoenix has a chance to secure their first-ever Finals victory.

9 Jarrett Allen - 84

When players grab a sports game controller and test out the Cavaliers, they will immediately notice the team's speed and efficiency. Allen, in particular, exhibits an unexpected level of agility, resulting in advantageous matchups against slower and bulkier opposing centers.

Those unfamiliar with Cleveland will be astounded by Allen's remarkably precise shooting. While it's not uncommon for a dominant player in the paint to possess such accuracy, Allen stands out due to his exceptional shot selection. He strategically aims to get open and avoids taking unnecessary risky shots.

8 Rudy Gobert - 84

When gamers envision a dominant center, the image of Rudy Gobert often comes to mind. As a three-time recipient of the Defensive Player of the Year award, Gobert has not only led the league in rebounding and blocks once, but also established himself as a formidable defensive force.

However, Gobert faced some initial challenges when he joined the Minnesota team last year. With two exceptional centers on the roster, it was necessary to navigate and establish clear roles for each player. Once these roles are effectively sorted out, the Timberwolves have the potential to embark on a significantly deeper playoff run in the upcoming season.

7 Myles Turner - 85

Myles Turner, renowned for his defensive dominance, has topped the league in blocks twice since 2019. By effectively guarding the paint as a center, Turner fulfills a role typically assigned to multiple players. The presence of Turner on the court is truly valued by Pacers fans.

In the recent season, Turner displayed significant progress in his offensive game, now comparable to elite small forwards. He achieved career-best statistics in rebounds per game, points per game, and shooting percentage.

6 Brook Lopez - 85

Having been in the league since 2018, the ex-NBA champion continues to seek growth and development. In the previous season, Lopez achieved his personal best in blocks per game and three-point shooting percentage. Enhancing his skills on both offense and defense is a key factor for achieving success.

Though a injuries plagued the Bucks team, they were disappointingly eliminated in the early stages despite securing the top seed. Milwaukee boasts a talented roster, and Lopez is fully prepared to lead them towards another championship, provided everyone remains in good health.

5 Karl-Anthony Towns - 87

In 2022, Karl-Anthony Towns made history by becoming the first center to win the Three-Point Contest. As a highly skilled "stretch big," Towns possesses a rare ability that many teams covet. It's worth noting that he's not the only exceptional center on the Timberwolves, as Gobert also belongs to this elite group.

Luckily, their playing styles seldom clash. While Gobert predominantly operates in the paint, Towns excels on the perimeter. This dynamic creates a formidable frontcourt duo for Minnesota, with both big men thriving in different areas of the court. As a result, Towns has ample opportunities to exploit their combined strengths and make a significant impact.

4 Kristaps Porzingis - 87

Several years back, Kristaps Porzingis gained the moniker of a unicorn - an extraordinary big man with the ability to shoot from long distance. His style of play influenced many other centers. Although Porzingis may no longer possess a completely unique skill set, he remains one of the top performers in his position.

Frequently, as a center, he is shifted to the power forward position, causing major mismatches for opponents. When deployed as a power forward, Porzingis excels and is regarded as one of the best in both positions. Now, in the city of Boston, he aspires to lead the Celtics to the elusive championship they have come close to achieving.

3 Bam Adebayo - 87

Bam Adebayo's only perceived flaw is his height of 6'9". However, those who doubted his ability to compete must have overlooked his exceptional performance in the Finals. Despite the Miami Heat's loss to the Denver Nuggets, Adebayo demonstrated that he could hold his ground against the league's top center while maintaining impressive productivity.

As an All-Star in the previous year, he achieved a career-high of over 20 points per game. Adebayo's unwavering intensity bewilders his opponents, making it evident why he is more than capable of leading a team to exceptional success as a center.

2 Joel Embiid - 97

Joel Embiid has successfully claimed the top scoring position in the NBA for the past two consecutive years. His exceptional shooting and dunking abilities surpass those of even highly skilled shooting guards. Any attempt to leave Embiid unguarded on any area of the court would prove to be a mistake.

In the previous year, Embiid finally achieved the highly sought-after MVP award, which he rightfully deserved. Not only did he achieve a career-high in field goal percentage, but also maintained an impressive assist per game record. Despite the Philadelphia 76ers' unfortunate luck in past seasons, if they manage to find consistency in the playoffs, Embiid's well-deserved championship victory is inevitable.

1 Nikola Jokic - 97

Jokic, the back-to-back MVP prior to last season, faced criticism from a few who believed he was overhyped, winning accolades solely based on advanced metrics rather than impressive athleticism. However, in light of the way the season concluded, Jokic's critics are now left speechless.

As the NBA Finals MVP, Jokic dominated the path to a championship, showcasing his exceptional passing, three-point shooting, and rebounding abilities. It is difficult to find any aspect of the game that Jokic cannot excel at. The list of playoff records he shattered is extensive, highlighting his unparalleled ball distribution skills that even surpass those possessed by incredible point guards.

NBA 2K24 will be available on September 8th, 2024 for Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.