The Top 10 Centers in the NBA

Dec 18, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) rebound in the second quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) rebound in the second quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
10 of 11
  1. DeAndre Jordan – L.A. Clippers

Apr 25, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) reacts after being called for a foul against Portland Trail Blazers guard C.J. McCollum (3) in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 25, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) reacts after being called for a foul against Portland Trail Blazers guard C.J. McCollum (3) in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

Age: 28

2015-16 Per Game Averages: 12.7 points, 13.8 rebounds, 3.5 offensive rebounds, 2.3 blocks.

Career Per Game Averages: 8.7 points, 9.6 rebounds, 3.1 offensive rebounds, 1.8 blocks.

DeAndre Jordan is a difficult player to rank. He has more than his fair share of doubters, who firmly believe that his abilities are exaggerated by his partnership with the best true point guard in the league, Chris Paul. Then, there are those, like me, who don’t believe a word of that.

Jordan’s game has some gargantuan strengths. His rebounding, for example, is perhaps the best in the NBA. How many other players can boast an average of 14.13 blocks since the start of the 2013-14 season? None, that’s how many. Need I say more?

The next strength would be his defense, which is perhaps the best of any big man in the league. His 2.3 blocks per game last campaign might not blow your mind, but, as we’ve seen, blocks can be deceiving. He has now had consecutive seasons where he made the NBA All-Defensive First Team. When he’s not blocking a shot, Jordan is making the paint his own. He prowls the interior like a lion protecting its territory and it takes a brave soul to go up against him. Through his raw strength and defensive genius, Jordan changes every shot that comes from his territory.

Mar 30, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) dunks in the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 30, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) dunks in the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

“His actual defense has finally caught up to his shot-blocking reputation as being elite. He’s just huge, and he’s really, really hard to avoid anywhere near the hoop because his foot speed is surprisingly good for a man his size covering drives,” Matthew Rothstein of Dime Magazine said.

On top of that, Jordan’s offense, while limited, is ruthlessly efficient. He shoots over .700 an absurd amount and has averaged such a number for the last two seasons. On the pick-and-roll, Jordan is almost unmatched in his ability to set the pick and finish near the rim.

The criticisms of Jordan are fair. His free-throws are borderline offensive. His low-post offense is not as good as might expect from a 6’11”, 265lb beast. And range? DeAndre won’t try a jump shot unless the game is done.

So how can Jordan be the second best center in the NBA if his offense is so limited? For most players, this would kill his ranking. With Jordan, however, what makes him so good is that he knows his limitations. Where other players might try things they know they can’t really do, like Josh Smith shooting threes, Jordan is comfortable with who he is and only takes shots he knows he can make. And you know what? 70 percent of the time he’s right.

So yes, he has his weaknesses. However, as one of the best and most efficient defenders, rebounders and inside scorers in the NBA, DeAndre Jordan is easily a top 3 center.

Next: No. 1