The 3 most underrated centers in the NBA

What makes a great center in the NBA? What is expected of an NBA center? Many times too much is expected of the centers and much of what they do goes unnoticed in the scores. This article will address some of these things and highlight 3 centers in the NBA that are most underrated. For this analysis, only true centers will be reviewed. Many forwards often throw themselves into a game as a center, but they are not true centers.

Some of the great centers in NBA history have stood out for their dominance under the basket. Wilt Chamberlain revolutionized the game with his size and scoring ability. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had an incredible race and still holds the record for most points in a race. Then names like Patrick Ewing, David Robinson, Hakeem Olajuwon and Shaquille O’Neal stand out as great centers who have left a legacy in the NBA.

Truly large centers, however, are rare. The big centers are the ones who dominate in scoring, rebounding and defense game after game, year after year. The Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard is the only center currently demonstrating that kind of dominance at the center position in the NBA. Now to look at the remaining hubs, there are some that excel in one or two critical areas, but are weak in other areas. The following three centers are the most underrated in the NBA today:

andres bynum, los angeles lakers

Unfortunately, Bynum has battled injuries throughout his career and hasn’t had a long string of games in which he can prove himself. Last year he played 65 games and averaged 15 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game in 30 minutes each game. This year his numbers have dropped, but he has been working to recover from injury and has not played the same minutes in every game.

When you play on a team with Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom, you can’t expect Bynum to score a lot of goals. It is effective when asked to offend. He has a high field goal percentage, doesn’t lose the ball much, has good hands and footwork.

On the defensive end, he provides a great wide body in the middle to prevent penetration. He doesn’t have as many blocks/plays as the others, but he disrupts the other team’s offense with just his big body and long arms. His rebounding numbers are good and he is solid to play the role or center on the defensive end.

Emeka Okafor, New Orleans Hornets

Emeka Okafor had high expectations when he arrived in the NBA and he did not fully meet them, which is why many have considered him a disappointment. However, he is doing very well this year with New Orleans. Too often, centers are compared to their legendary predecessors who dominated in the points column. In today’s game, the centers just need to be able to congratulate the many wing players who are taking over the star roles. Okafor does it very well. His field goal percentage is very high, so he’s taking smart shots and playing inside the offense.

Okafor is also strong on the defensive end. He averages 9-10 rebounds/game year-over-year and gets almost 2 blocks/game as well. This is the type of production expected from a center. Filling the lane and helping defend speed in the NBA is critical to containing some of the most potent offenses in the league, and Okafor’s athleticism allows him to fill this need for the Hornets.

One of Okafor’s weaknesses is his free kick. He doesn’t play to Shaquille O’Neal’s dominance, so this weakness is magnified in his game.

marcus camby, portland pioneers

Yes, Marcus Camby is past his prime and had his time in the spotlight, but he still doesn’t get the credit he deserves at this point in his career. He is averaging 11.5 rebounds per game and continues to be a defensive force. His offensive numbers are lower than many other players, but he is a savvy veteran who still helps his team on the offensive end. He has had better numbers throughout his career in almost every category than he currently has, but his performance must still be respected and teams must still account for his presence in the center position. .

There are many other arguments in favor of underrated centers in the NBA today, but these are some that don’t seem to get enough credit for the things they do to make their teams successful.