Top 10 NBA Centers for the 2025-26 Season — Expert Rankings and Analysis.
The NBA may no longer be a “big man’s league,” but in 2025, having a dominant center still makes all the difference.
Several players continue to prove the value of size, skill, and versatility — including Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokić, a perennial MVP contender who’s claimed the award three times (2021, 2022, 2024). Other bigs like Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid and San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama are redefining what a modern center can do.
Our experts ranked the best centers in the NBA heading into the 2025-26 season.
Note: Players expected to miss most or all of the 2025-26 season were not included.
Top 10 Centers for the 2025-26 NBA Season
1. Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets
Jokić dominated the voting, earning 10 first-place selections from the panel. At 30, he’s finished first or second in MVP voting for five straight years. Last season, he joined Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook as the only players in NBA history to average a triple-double over a full season. His vision, efficiency, and unorthodox touch make him the most skilled passing big man in the world — and perhaps the most unguardable player in basketball.
2. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
When healthy, Wembanyama is the league’s most fearsome defender and is rapidly becoming a unique offensive weapon. His combination of size, shooting range, and mobility is unprecedented. If the Spurs make any postseason noise, he’ll enter the MVP conversation for years to come.
3. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
Embiid’s 2024-25 season was derailed by a knee injury that limited him to just 19 games. But when he’s on the floor, his scoring and rim protection remain elite. Polarizing among experts, he was ranked anywhere from fifth to 38th, reflecting both his immense talent and durability concerns.
4. Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat
Adebayo remains the Heat’s defensive anchor and emotional leader. Miami’s disappointing 37-45 finish dimmed his spotlight, but his all-around play and switchability keep him among the league’s most valuable bigs.
5. Alperen Şengün, Houston Rockets
Şengün took a massive leap last year, earning his first All-Star nod and helping Houston secure the West’s second seed. His blend of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking evokes shades of a young Jokić.
6. Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder
Coming off a championship season, Holmgren continues to evolve as a key piece in OKC’s future. Though limited to 32 games, his shot-blocking and spacing were crucial in the Thunder’s title run.
7. Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings
A double-double machine for six straight seasons, Sabonis remains Sacramento’s cornerstone. With limited help around him, he’ll continue to carry the offensive load.
8. Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves
The 33-year-old defensive specialist is still a force in the paint. One of only five players to average 11+ rebounds and 2+ blocks over an entire career, Gobert’s consistency keeps Minnesota’s defense elite.
9. Ivica Zubac, Los Angeles Clippers
Zubac quietly had a career year, logging 32.8 minutes per game and anchoring the Clippers’ top-three defense. With added frontcourt depth, he’ll have more freedom to focus on rebounding and interior defense.
10. Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers
Allen’s durability stood out — playing all 82 games for the Cavs — while helping Cleveland finish 64-18 and capture the East’s top seed. His reliability and defense make him one of the league’s steadiest bigs.
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