Chet Holmgren, Jaren Jackson Jr., Joel Embiid

Top 10 NBA Centers Right Now (2025 Edition) — Ranked in Reverse Order

August 28, 2025 Aksel Kryhlmand

Whether they're swatting shots into the third row or draining threes like wings, today’s centers are rewriting the playbook. No longer just bruisers under the rim, the NBA's best big men combine agility, skill, and basketball IQ to anchor their teams on both ends of the floor. Based on fan votes and recent performance, here's our countdown of the top 10 NBA centers right now — starting with number 10.

10. Jaren Jackson Jr.

With a rare mix of size and shooting, Jaren Jackson Jr. has become a prototypical stretch five in today's game. His smooth stroke from deep keeps defenses honest, while his timing and wingspan make him a shot-blocking machine on the other end. At just 25, the Memphis big man is already among the league’s best rim protectors and continues to grow into a defensive cornerstone.

9. Chet Holmgren

Still early in his NBA journey, Chet Holmgren is already making waves. Standing seven feet tall with guard-like handles, Holmgren’s combination of finesse and ferocity is unlike anything we've seen. His ability to run the floor, protect the rim, and score with touch makes him one of the league’s most versatile and intriguing young centers.

8. Evan Mobley

Evan Mobley has quickly proven he's not just potential—he’s production. His elite defensive instincts allow him to switch onto guards or anchor the paint, while his smooth offensive game shows flashes of stardom. Cleveland has found a franchise cornerstone in Mobley, and his ceiling keeps getting higher.

7. Bam Adebayo

Few bigs bring the same relentless energy as Bam Adebayo. A defensive dynamo who can guard all five positions, Bam’s physicality and motor make him a nightmare for opponents. On offense, his improved midrange shot and underrated passing give Miami a reliable two-way presence in the middle.

6. Alperen Şengün

Alperen Şengün might not be a household name yet, but his game speaks volumes. The Turkish center is one of the most skilled post players in the league, with footwork and vision that evoke shades of old-school greats. As he matures, his unique blend of craftiness and competitiveness could elevate him into elite territory.

5. Karl-Anthony Towns

When it comes to offensive skill, Karl-Anthony Towns is in a league of his own. With range that stretches beyond the arc and a polished post game, Towns forces defenses to pick their poison. Now suiting up for the Knicks, his continued growth on defense makes him even more of a threat.

4. Anthony Davis

One of the NBA’s most complete big men, Anthony Davis dominates both ends of the floor with elite shot-blocking, mobility, and offensive versatility. His ability to guard smaller players, score inside and out, and lead with intensity makes him a perennial All-Star and a game-changer for the Mavericks.

3. Victor Wembanyama

At just 21, Victor Wembanyama is already redefining what it means to be a center. Standing at 7'4", he protects the rim like a seasoned vet and moves with the agility of a guard. Whether he's swatting shots, pulling up from deep, or gliding through the lane, Wemby’s generational talent is undeniable.

2. Joel Embiid

The reigning MVP-caliber force, Joel Embiid combines brute strength with refined skill. His footwork in the post is elite, and his ability to shoot from midrange or deep makes him nearly unguardable. Defensively, his size and instincts turn the paint into a no-fly zone. Simply put: Embiid is a nightmare matchup for anyone.

1. Nikola Jokić

At the top of the mountain stands Nikola Jokić. The Serbian superstar has revolutionized the center position with his jaw-dropping passing, unshakable poise, and deep scoring arsenal. As the offensive engine for the Denver Nuggets, Jokić controls the game like a point guard in a big man’s body — and he’s showing no signs of slowing down.