2025 NBA free agent rankings: Top centers available this summer
hoopshype staff
·9-min read
Dec 29, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) controls the ball while Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) and forward Jayson Tatum (0) defend during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
Jan 4, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) shoots the ball against Phoenix Suns guard Monte Morris (23) in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Shot-blocking, floor-spacing big man, making him a valuable archetype. Has also improved toughness and consistency, playing a large part in Indiana’s Eastern Conference Finals run last season, and has continued playing at a high level this campaign.
Jan 2, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) dribbles past Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) in the second half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
The reigning Sixth Man of the Year, the big man is a very good shooter and driver from his big-man spot who can finish with toughness around the rim. Guard-like game in a big man’s body.
Jan 23, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) and Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) reach for the ball in the second quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Veteran 7-footer with great shot-blocking skills who also spaces the floor from three. Age isn’t affecting him that much yet.
Jan 27, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) and Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela (15) watch as a ball gets away from both of them in the fourth quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
Pick-and-roll big man who has great length and hops around the rim. Good shot-blocker and rebounder, too, but very limited range as a scorer.
Dec 6, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Orlando Magic forward Moritz Wagner (21) reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers in the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
He was playing some of the best ball of his career at the time of his ACL injury. When healthy, an energetic big man who can finish around the basket, set hard screens, dive for loose balls, and get under opponents' skin.
Dec 4, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) reacts after being called for a foul during the fourth quarter of a game against the Detroit Pistons at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Still an impactful two-way player who played a huge role in Boston’s recent title run thanks to his shooting and defense. Starting to show his age a bit this season, though.
Jan 10, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward Precious Achiuwa (5) fights for a rebound against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Mobile big man who can defend switches well and who is a very solid rim-protector. More effective on defense than on offense but can finish pretty well around the rim.
Oct 25, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevon Looney (5) goes to the basket against the Utah Jazz during the first quarter at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Bouncy power forward/center who is at his best around the basket finishing out of the pick-and-roll. Solid lob threat. Won’t provide much floor-spacing but underrated passer.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 31: Mason Plumlee #22 of the Phoenix Suns blocks the shot of Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half at Chase Center on January 31, 2025 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Experienced center who can still play spot minutes and provide some value with his willingness to put his body on the line to make plays.
BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 6 Luke Kornet #40 of the Boston Celtics is fouled during the first quarter against the Golden State Warriors at TD Garden on November 6, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Very good shot-blocking center who can finish above the rim behind his length and athleticism.
Jan 1, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond (5) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
Good rebounder off the bench who can finish around the basket. Great at finishing through defenders near the rim.
Dec 26, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Paul Reed (7) holds the ball after a call against the Sacramento Kings during the third quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
Energy big man who can set strong screens and use his strength well down low against bigger foes in the paint.
Jan 8, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers center Thomas Bryant (3) rebounds the ball while Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams (44) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Regained some of his mojo in Indiana. A big man who can space the floor from three a bit as well as block some shots. Plays with good energy and seems to be a well-liked teammate.
Oct 30, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (11) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) during the second half at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Big man with good athleticism and solid hands around the basket. Can finish out of the pick-and-roll and defend the rim to an extent.
Jan 30, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Houston Rockets center Steven Adams (12) boxes out Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey (14) during the second quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Jan 29, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Day'Ron Sharpe (20) during pre game warm ups against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Jan 25, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Moussa Diabate (14) and New Orleans Pelicans center Daniel Theis (10) battle for a rebound during the first quarter at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 15: Jericho Sims #20 of the New York Knicks in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Madison Square Garden on November 15, 2024 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Dec 25, 2024; New York, New York, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Sandro Mamukelashvili (54) warms up prior to the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Feb 1, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Moussa Diabate (14) boxes out Denver Nuggets guard Jalen Pickett (24) during the first half of play at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Westerholt-Imagn Images
Nov 20, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center Mo Bamba (4) beats Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) for a rebound in the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Washington Wizards forward Marvin Bagley III (35) dunks during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland on Dec. 13, 2024.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MAY 25: Isaiah Jackson #22 of the Indiana Pacers dunks the ball against the Boston Celtics during the third quarter in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 25, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Feb 3, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Dario Saric (9) on the bench in the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Dec 8, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings center Alex Len (25) handles the ball against Utah Jazz forward Drew Eubanks (left) during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Nov 27, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Denver Nuggets center DeAndre Jordan (6) warms up against the Utah Jazz before the game at the Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images
Jan 2, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Christian Koloko (10) boxes out Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson (00) in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Feb 3, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Luka Garza (55) shoots over Sacramento Kings forward Isaac Jones (17) in the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
Dec 23, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Utah Jazz center Micah Potter (25) celebrates his three-point goal beside Cleveland Cavaliers forward Georges Niang (20) in the first quarter at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
Jan 29, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Taj Gibson (67) during pre game warm ups against the Brooklyn Nets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Jan 8, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Charles Bassey (28) grabs a rebound during the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 29: Orlando Robinson #21 of the Toronto Raptors looks on against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on January 29, 2025 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Jan 2, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kai Jones (23) dunks against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Feb 13, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Christian Wood (35) drives past Detroit Pistons guard Marcus Sasser (25) and guard Troy Brown, Jr. in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Indiana Pacers center James Wiseman (13) dribbles in the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
