Dwight Howard, Andrew Bynum, Kevin Garnett, Marc Gasol, Tyson Chandler: Top Five Centres in NBA
Tyson Chandler:
Tyson Chandler would have ended much higher on this list if it was not for his limited offensive potential.
The 2012 defensive player of the year transformed the New York Knicks’ vulnerable defense in to a formidable one last season. Before this, Chandler helped the Dallas Mavericks with a title win in the 2010-11 season due to his absolute
brilliance in the defense. He not only makes up for the lack of defensive potential in the Knicks side but has a very low record for fouls as well.
While there may be better all round centres in the game these days but the transformation he brought to the Knicks side does make a strong case for him being the best defender in the game right now.
Marc Gasol:
In the last couple of seasons, Marc Gasol’s skill set and potential has expanded considerably to rank him amongst some of the best centres in the game.
Memphis Grizzlies’ route to play-offs last season was largely thanks to some inspiring performances from Marc Gasol which have gradually made him the more dominant of the two Gasols. While he is a beast on the glass at both ends,
Gasol is also probably the best inside the lane passer.
The seven-footer has been on one of the main reasons behind the resurgence the Grizzlies have experienced in the last two seasons and the scary thing is that he is just getting started.
Kevin Garnett:
For years, Kevin Garnett remained in contention for the best power forward in the game along with Tim Duncan. However, things have changed a lot in the past two years.
Ever since Kendrick Perkins was traded to Oklahoma City Thunder, Garnett has been playing as a centre at the Boston Celtics and has done an exceptional job.
Garnett is a big match player and last post-season was no different. With an average of 19.2 points and 10.3 rebounds per game in the 2012 post-season, Garnett propelled his team to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they took
the mighty Miami Heat to seven games. At 36, KG is still a demon on the glass, and one of the main pillars at Boston. His ability, versatility, hunger to win, intensity and sheer genius are what earn him a spot at number three.
Andrew Bynum:
This guy has the potential to be one of the all time great centres. He has the size, ability and the hunger to be the best, the only thing stopping him is his attitude and injuries.
Last season though, Bynum managed 60 of the total 66 games and ended up with double-double averages of 18.7 points and 11.8 rebounds per game.
As part of the Dwight Howard trade, Bynum was shipped to Philadelphia 76ers this off season and this can be a start of something great for the big man. He has always wanted to be the alpha dog and a stint with Sixers gives him
that opportunity. It remains to be seen how he transforms the side as a leader, but if ever there was an opportunity for Bynum to prove that he can be the very best in the business, it is now.
Dwight Howard:
If strength and power made a great player, not many in the present era would come close to Dwight Howard. This, however, does not mean he is any less gifted with talent or ability.
Averaging 20.6 points and 14.5 rebounds per game in the 2012 regular season, it will be hard to stop Howard if he comes to terms with an altogether different environment at the Staples Centre next season.
He may not be offensively very effective to any people’s liking – more due to the fact that he is not clutch - but his post skills and phenomenal blocking are better than anybody around. Howard is exceptionally athletic for a man
of his size and that gives him the liberty to make space for himself, sometimes almost at will. These attributes together give the top spot to this genius.
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