The NBA regular season is already a week old and fantasy trades and waiver wire pickups have already begun. General managers, like myself, are constantly tinkering with their lineups and reserves so as to maximize points on a nightly basis. To truly keep pace on the competition one must stock a roster with top-tier talent. In order to do this, eDraft will be providing a top ten list of guards, forwards and centers to assist you in maintaining that competitive edge. Continue to check in with us as reap the rewards.
We delve into our top-ten fantasy centers by ranking the cream of the crop among the NBA big-men. Keep in mind that multiple fantasy sites may have certain players as eligibles for more than one position. For the purpose of this ranking the mentioned players are being considered only as centers.
The offseason talk in the NBA centered on the the games most dominating big-man as speculation was rampant on Dwight Howard's next stop. Howard is the biggest and baddest big-man in the league as he can be unstoppable when he is engaged in the game. It shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone that Howard tops our list here. After Howard though there are nine others who comprise our top-ten list and we break each spot down for you.
1. Dwight Howard - Houston Rockets
Coming off a poor season in Los Angeles, Howard’s value was actually a bit depressed come fantasy time. Hard to believe, but the poor free-throw shooting and the lack of offensive touches will hurt over time.
Regardless of these factors, Howard is the most productive center in the Association. Through the season’s first three games, Howard has been a monster on the boards and solid on the offensive end.
2. DeMarcus Cousins - Sacramento Kings
This is a bit of a gamble here as Cousins has shown glimpses of his potential sprinkled with temperamental blowouts. I’m betting on Cousins keeping it together mentally while his physical gifts equate to huge numbers. It’s not as if Cousin’s has been a slouch to this point, his three-year career averages of 16.3 ppg and 9.8 rpg are solid. Everyone would agree that these numbers could be higher if not for an attitude issue; this will be the year where it all comes together for Cousins.
3. Roy Hibbert - Indiana Pacers
The time is now for the 26-year old Hibbert in Indiana. For too long now Hibbert has only enjoyed fantasy success in the playoffs where he seems able to raise his game to a higher level. Hibbert must play at this level all the time to be truly considered a top-tier center man in the league. He is capable of 12 ppg, 12 rpg and 3 blocks per game stats yet for too long he seems to coast through some regular season games and can be invisible at times for the Pacers and fantasy general managers alike. I’m counting on this year being a breakthrough season for Hibbert as he tasted some success last season with the Pacers and he must recognize that the team needs more out of him if they are to reach a Conference finals.
4. Andre Drummond - Detroit Pistons
A top candidate for breakout player of the year has got to be the Pistons Andre Drummond. He has immense potential and after a solid rookie season of 8.2 ppg and 7.8 rpg he is poised for a big improvement. Season end averages of 12.5 ppg and 11.5 rpg are very attainable; however, this is incumbent on his health and active role in the Pistons offense. Should the Pistons trade away Greg Monroe then look for Drummond to flourish as the sole dominating big on the roster.
5. Brook Lopez - Brooklyn Nets
Despite the stacked roster of the Nets, Lopez will still be a solid fantasy producer. His rebounding numbers are going to take a bit of a hit as guys like Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce are going to get in on the glass as well. His role in the offense shouldn’t be diminished too greatly as the Nets require a low post threat and Lopez will have his number called regularly.
6. Serge Ibaka - Oklahoma City Thunder
Ibaka’s value is tied directly to his defensive ability, if not for the blocked shot totals Ibaka would be a below average center. Fortunately blocked shots are valued quite highly in fantasy hoops and thusly Ibaka can be one of the more valuable rosters additions.
Ibaka does come with some serious downsides and they are the horrific field-goal percentages, atrocious free-throw shooting and the utter and complete lack of involvement in the offensive sets. Despite this Ibaka can give good value to your roster; however, be prepared for those frustrating nights of minimal value.
7. Marc Gasol - Memphis Grizzlies
The younger of the Gasol brothers has officially eclipsed Pau’s standing as the better of the two. Marc has become a consistent fantasy option for general managers due to his versatility and soft touch around the basket. While his rebounding numbers could be a bit better his current 8.0 rpg average is solid. Nice upside to Marc’s game is that he shoots the ball at a high percentage and his free-throw shooting is very respectable for a big.
8. Pau Gasol - Los Angeles Lakers
While the Lakers are hurting due to Kobe Bryant's absence, Pau’s individual game is enjoying a nice resurgence. Without the ball-monopolizing Bryant in the fold, Gasol is far more integrated into the offence and his scoring opportunities have gone way up as a result. Given Bryant’s extended leave from the team, there is no reason to think that Gasol can’t drastically improve on last season’s 13.7 ppg, 8.6 rpg and 4.1 apg stat line.
9. Jonas Valanciunas - Toronto Raptors
Valanciunas has been tagged as a potential breakout player for the 2013-14 season. His improved play at the end of last season coupled with a new physique and a NBA Summer League MVP award has certainly raised his fantasy profile. While I agree that the potential is there we have yet to see tangible results on the court. With the Raptors in rebuild mode and everyone on the roster (except Valanciunas) being rumoured as available in trades; the Raptors roster could get gutted leaving only the second-year Lithuanian to shoulder the load. This would not be an ideal situation as Valanciunas’ game is not ready to bear such a burden.
10. Nikola Pekovic - Minnesota Timberwolves
Pekovic has certainly made a name for himself of late, as evidenced by his new $60 million five-year contract he signed this offseason. I don’t expect the same production out of Pekovic that we saw last season for the simple fact that Kevin Love is back in the fold and he will take away from the rebounding numbers somewhat. Downside for Pekovic is a relatively unpolished offensive game that is predicated on put-backs and post-moves.