.png){kind=small}
*Photo via Reuters
1. Marc Gasol, Center, Memphis Grizzlies
17.4 PPG, 3.8 ASP, 7.8 RPG, 49.4% FG, 1.6 BLK, 2.2 TOV
Unrestricted Free Agent
Let’s end this unneeded debate once and for all: Marc Gasol is the best center in the NBA, period. Gasol has a plethora of skills that are unmatched by anyone of his position. Most impressive of these are in his offensive arsenal- he is a legitimate back-to-the-basket-center, he can hit an outside jumper, and has incredible court vision with an innate ability to pass the rock.
While Gasol has a choke-hold on this position, this can be his falter. Gasol is not as athletic of fast as some of the players he matches up against. This can possibly be a liability when playing against a team who likes to run the court. Yet, his pros heavily outweigh his cons.
What’s Next: I have a tendency to say Gasol will remain in Memphis. While being a Spain native, Marc essential grew up in Memphis, going to high school in the city while his brother, Pau, played for the the Grizzlies. Yet, with another early exit in the playoffs, one might wonder if Gasol is willing to spend the peak of his career coming up short.
Marc Gasol will likely receive interest from a number of teams and will definitely score a max contract. Among those contending for his services, aside from the Grizzlies, will likely be the San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers, and the New York Knicks (fingers crossed).
2. DeAndre Jordan, Center, Los Angeles Clippers
11.5 PPG, 0.7 ASP, 15 RPG, 71% FG, 2.2 BLK, 1.3 TOV
Unrestricted Free Agent
DeAndre Jordan is terrific athlete standing 6”11’, 265lbs. Jordan is an absolute monster on the boards and an enforcer on defense. He’s a workhorse and can provide his team with a spark through second chance opportunities, defensive stops, and thunderous dunks. Jordan will coordinate well with an offensive minded power forward (Blake Griffin) and point guard that can create opportunities in the paint.
Yet, Jordan is extremely limited offensively. He needs the right players around him to be a factor on this side of the ball. He has no shot and no post up game. As we saw throughout the season and in the playoffs, Jordan can be an extreme liability at the end of games due to his poor free throw shooting.
What’s Next: With the Clippers looking to improve on a disappointing playoff run they will likely have to keep DeAndre Jordan to remain in the mix. Adding Lance Stephenson is will help the Clippers lure a player like Jordan to remain. All in all, I believe Jordan will stay with the Clippers.
Yet, if he is offered max money somewhere else. He is in no way a max player, but many teams are known to give unworthy players ridiculous offers. This could possibly be the case for the Bucks who are seeking a big man. Other possible destinations could be the Atlanta Hawks and Dallas Mavericks based on their potential vacancies.
3. Brook Lopez, Center, Brooklyn Nets
17.2 PPG, 0.7 ASP, 7.4 RPG, 51.3% FG, 1.8 BLK, 1.4 TOV
Player Option
Brook Lopez is a legitimate seven-footer with weight. He’s an offensive force with range and post-up abilities. Lopez is a highly skilled offensive player that has incredible touch and ability put up big numbers. He’s a presence on the defensive end of the court and, when determined, he will put his opponents shot back in their face.
There are only so many positives I can say about his offensive game before nudging into criticisms. For his size, Lopez is incredibly soft. While fans and experts can argue that his finesse style allows this, it won’t get past me that he doesn’t brutalize his defender. He’s an incredibly weak rebounder for his stature and it is due to his softness.
What’s Next: If he opts in, Brook Lopez is set to make nearly $17 million. If he opts out, I can’t picture the Nets giving an injury prone big man a bigger contract than what’s already on the table. Therefore, if Lopez opts out its likely because he has a better offer on the table.
Like nearly everyone on this list, Lopez is linked to the Bucks. You may see teams like the Philadelphia Seventy-Sixers and Boston Celtics who are in the market for a starting center. Yet, you’ll likely see these teams overpay for a mediocre big man in Lopez.
4. Tyson Chandler, Center, Dallas Mavericks
10.3 PPG, 1.1 ASP, 11.5 RPG, 66.6% FG, 1.2 BLK, 1.4 TOV
Unrestricted Free Agent
Tyson Chandler’s game is inevitably linked to the intangibles that he brings to the court night in and night out. In Dallas’ 2011 Championship run Chandler was credited for his leadership in the locker room, fire on the court, and the anchor of the defense, without which the Mavericks wouldn’t have made their incredible run. Chandler continues to be a force, per his second stint with the Mavericks. Chandler is an exceptional defender and versatile defender who never lacks motivation and spirit.
While Chandler’s intangibles carry weight on the defensive end of the ball, they aren’t treated with the same respect when playing offense. Notoriously, Chandler is extremely ineffective with the ball in his hands. He doesn’t have the ability to post nor hit an outside shot on a consistent basis and is not much of a passer. This seems to be somewhat of a trend. But as they say, defense wins championships.
What’s Next: While Tyson Chandler played great in his return year to Dallas, he’s not their number one guy. Tyson Chandler is likely to receive more money and an enhanced role on nearly any other team that offers him a contract. Yet, Chandler, being the unselfish teammate he is, may be willing to take a hit in his pockets and on the court to make another run at a ring (if Mark Cuban can make some magic happen).
Rumors have stated that the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Clippers could swap their big men. Other teams who have interested include the Bucks (as one of their many backup plans to Jordan) or the Boston Celtics.
5. Roy Hibbert, Center, Indiana Pacers
10.6 PPG, 1.1 ASP, 7.1 RPG, 44.6% FG, 1.6 BLK, 1.4 TOV
Player Option
Like DeAndre Jordan and Tyson Chandler, Roy Hibbert is not your first option offensively, he may not even be your second. Yet unlike the formers, Hibbert has the ability to create his own shot in the traditional way a center should and with some range. In fact, as the second or third option is where Hibbert thrives. As a two time All-Star Roy Hibbert was able have his best seasons when he was playing the glorified role player position for the Pacers.
Yet, Hibbert is coming off a down year statistically. He’s played his worst season in recent years on a team that needed him to thrive and be ‘the man’. This just proves that Hibbert is not capable of being a dominant big man, nor is he capable of leading a team and having the consistent fire it takes to put big numbers.
What’s Next: Roy Hibbert is most likely to opt in for the last year of his contract. After having a down year in the 2014-15 season expect Hibbert to earn his money this coming season for the Indiana Pacers. He needs to prove his value in order to get paid, something he did not due this past season. Though, the Pacers seem adamant on moving him.
If Hibbert chooses to opt out, he will (again) likely be pursued by the Milwaukee Bucks (if their other options are off the table). Other potential suitors could be the Dallas and Atlanta.
Honorable mention: Omer Asik, Robin Lopez, Timofey Mozgov