[polldaddy poll=7970058]As you already, having a big time center on your team can change the outlook of the franchise. We saw it with Shaquille O’Neal, David Robinson, Hakeem Olajuwon, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Patrick Ewing and even Bill Russell. When there is a dominant center, the game changes.
What makes a center so special is that there is only one of them? In every lineup each team has at least two forwards and two guards, as does the All-NBA team. But, there is only one center. Who is the best? There are a few options, some who you may not have thought of right away.
Who are the candidates at center to make this year’s All-NBA Team?
Dwight Howard, Houston Rockets
Dwight Howard has been here before, as he has made five All-NBA Teams in his career. Could this season be his sixth? So far this season, Howard has averaged 18.4 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game. In each category, Howard ranks in the top five centers. That is a tough argument to defeat when it comes down to it.
Howard has been a force since entering the league as a 19 year old, but this season has not been his best. 12.2 rebounds per game is his lowest total since his rookie year, and 1.8 blocks per game is his lowest since his second year in the NBA. Is Dwight Howard’s run as the dominant center in the NBA over?
DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings
The former Kentucky Wildcat goes by the nickname “Boogie.” But, he is really known as one of the best centers in the NBA. Cousins ranks first among centers with 22.7 points per game, fourth in rebounds per game at 11.7, first in steals per game at 1.5, and sixth in assists per game at 2.9. “Boogie” can do it all for the Kings, and should be given a look for a potential spot on the All-NBA Team.
At just 23 years old, Cousins has a bright future ahead of him, can he make his first All-NBA Team this season?
Joakim Noah, Chicago Bulls
Joakim Noah is doing things at the center position that we have not seen in a long time. So far this season, he is averaging 12.5 points and 11.3 rebounds per game. What is so amazing about that? A double-double is very good, but Noah is averaging 5.3 assists per game, as a center. That is almost two more per game than the second-ranked player at this position.
Since the All-Star break he is averaging seven assists per game as a center, which is a better pace than nearly every center in league history. Wilt Chamberlain averaged 8.56 assists per season, which some thought was the most impressive thing a center has ever done.
Now, Noah does not have more points or rebounds than some centers, but his passing ability is second to none. Can his four triple-doubles sway the votes in his favor, giving him his first All-NBA Team?
Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans
What Davis is doing as a 20year old is incredible. So far this season he is averaging 20.8 points, 10 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 2.8 blocks per game. He is second in the NBA in terms of points per game by a center, and he leads the NBA in blocks per game with an astounding 2.8 rejections per contest.
Davis progressed immensely in his second season, and will only get better as he matures into an NBA big man. He has less points and rebounds per game as some of the other competitors, but leading the NBA in blocks and adding a steal per game is no easy feat, especially for a 20 year old.
While Davis is a sleeper to make the All-NBA Team, not many people would be surprised, as he has been one of the better big men in the entire NBA this season. Even if he is not selected this year, his name will be up for discussion each and every year for the next decade.
Photo via Matt Marton, USA Today Sports Images
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