Which is Your Favorite Center for the 2024-25 Fantasy Basketball Season?
As the 2024-25 NBA season approaches, fantasy basketball enthusiasts are gearing up for another exciting draft season. With the recent release of my latest points and category fantasy basketball rankings, it’s time to dive into the center position. Centers play a crucial role in fantasy leagues, especially since Yahoo default leagues allocate two roster spots for this position. Securing a dominant center can be a game-changer, providing essential rebounds, blocks, and scoring. Let’s explore the tiers of centers for this upcoming season.
Tier 1: The Elite Centers
1. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
Victor Wembanyama is the standout choice for the top center in any fantasy format. His unique skill set combines the finesse of a guard with the size of a traditional center, making him a potential fantasy cheat code. With the ability to shoot from beyond the arc and protect the rim, Wembanyama is poised to make an immediate impact.
2. Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets
You can’t go wrong with Nikola Jokić, a three-time MVP and a consistent top performer in fantasy leagues. His ability to contribute across multiple categories—points, rebounds, assists—makes him a reliable first-round pick. Jokić has finished in the top three for points and 9-category leagues for four consecutive years, solidifying his status as a fantasy powerhouse.
Tier 2: Top 5 Worthy Centers
1. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid is a fantasy juggernaut when healthy. His per-game production is elite, but his injury history makes him a risky pick. Despite sliding down draft boards, his on-court contributions justify a selection in the top five to seven picks.
2. Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers
Anthony Davis edges out Embiid slightly in average draft position (ADP). With less injury risk and a heavy reliance from the Lakers on his performance, Davis is projected to be a top scorer and a versatile contributor across various categories.
Tier 3: Versatile Centers
1. Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings
Domantas Sabonis had an impressive season, leading the NBA in both triple-doubles and double-doubles. While he may not excel in three-pointers or free-throw percentage, his overall contributions make him a valuable asset.
2. Alperen Şengün, Houston Rockets
Şengün is a rising star and a must-have in the early-to-mid third round. He averaged over 20 points, nine rebounds, and five assists last season, showcasing his all-around game.
3. Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat
Bam Adebayo is a safe pick in the third round. Although he could provide more defensive stats, his scoring, rebounding, and playmaking abilities make him a consistent performer.
Tier 4: Early-to-Mid Round Centers
1. Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers
Myles Turner remains a solid option, known for his shot-blocking ability and three-point shooting. He can be a valuable contributor in multiple categories.
2. Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons
Duren is a player to watch this season. After a strong sophomore campaign, he’s poised to take another leap forward, especially with an improved Pistons roster.
3. Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers
Jarrett Allen is a reliable source of rebounds and blocks, making him a solid mid-round pick.
4. Deandre Ayton, Portland Trail Blazers
While Ayton’s stock has dipped, he remains a reasonable option in the sixth round, especially if you need a big man.
5. Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves
Gobert is a consistent double-double threat, but his declining performance may warrant caution.
6. Nikola Vučević, Chicago Bulls
Vučević offers a steady 17-and-10 production, making him a viable option in the fifth round.
Tier 5: Mix of High Floor and Upside Centers
1. Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets
Claxton is known for his defensive stats, but he needs to improve his double-double production. With the Nets in a rebuilding phase, he could see increased opportunities.
2. Mark Williams, Charlotte Hornets
Williams is healthy and ready to contribute. Playing alongside a strong point guard should elevate his game.
3. Isaiah Hartenstein, Oklahoma City Thunder
Hartenstein has the potential to be a steal in the late rounds, providing rebounding and rim protection.
4. Jusuf Nurkić, Phoenix Suns
Nurkić is a solid late-round option, but his role may be uncertain with the Suns’ roster changes.
5. Jakob Poeltl, Toronto Raptors
Poeltl is a reliable source of rebounds and blocks, making him a valuable late-round pick.
6. Jonas Valančiūnas, Washington Wizards
Valančiūnas remains a consistent performer, but his minutes may fluctuate.
7. Ivica Zubac, Los Angeles Clippers
Zubac’s production has been steady, making him a valuable late-round option.
Tier 6: Late-Round Veteran Centers
1. Kristaps Porziņģis, Boston Celtics
Porziņģis is recovering from injury, making him a risky pick. However, if he returns to form, he could be a valuable asset.
2. Brook Lopez, Milwaukee Bucks
Lopez is a three-point and blocks specialist, but his overall contributions may be limited.
3. John Collins, Utah Jazz
Collins had a bounce-back season and remains a solid option in the later rounds.
4. Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors
Green’s versatility makes him a valuable pick, especially in the ninth round.
5. Clint Capela, Atlanta Hawks
Capela continues to produce double-doubles, but his role may be impacted by team dynamics.
6. Al Horford, Boston Celtics
Horford’s experience and skill set make him a valuable late-round pick.
7. Mitchell Robinson, New York Knicks
Robinson is a solid rebounder and shot-blocker, making him a reliable option.
Tier 7: Young(ish) Centers with Potential
1. Walker Kessler, Utah Jazz
Kessler is a promising young center with the potential to break out this season.
2. Dereck Lively II, Dallas Mavericks
Lively has shown offensive skills and could thrive with Luka Dončić creating opportunities.
3. Onyeka Okongwu, Atlanta Hawks
Okongwu is a player to watch, especially if he can secure more minutes.
4. Wendell Carter Jr., Orlando Magic
Carter is a versatile big man with the potential to contribute across multiple categories.
5. Daniel Gafford, Dallas Mavericks
Gafford has shown flashes of potential and could be a valuable late-round pick.
6. Trayce Jackson-Davis, Golden State Warriors
Jackson-Davis is a name to watch, especially with the Warriors embracing youth.
7. Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies
Edey is a rookie with the potential to make an impact, especially in rebounds and blocks.
Tier 8: Watchlist Backup Centers
1. Andre Drummond, Philadelphia 76ers
Drummond remains a solid rebounder and could be a valuable insurance policy for Embiid.
2. Kelly Olynyk, Toronto Raptors
Olynyk is a versatile player who can contribute in various categories.
3. Karlo Matković, New Orleans Pelicans
Matković is a deep sleeper with potential, especially if he can secure a role.
4. Jalen Smith, Chicago Bulls
Smith has shown flashes of potential and could be a valuable backup option.
5. Kel’el Ware, Miami Heat
Ware is a name to keep an eye on as he develops.
6. Donovan Clingan, Portland Trail Blazers
Clingan is a rookie with potential, but his role remains uncertain.
Tier 9: Waiver Wire Centers
1. Moritz Wagner, Orlando Magic
Wagner could be a valuable pickup if he secures a role.
2. Daniel Theis, New Orleans Pelicans
Theis is a reliable backup option but may not have significant upside.
3. Isaiah Stewart, Detroit Pistons
Stewart is a solid contributor but may not have a high ceiling.
4. Zach Collins, San Antonio Spurs
Collins is a name to watch, especially if he can secure more minutes.
5. Nick Richards, Charlotte Hornets
Richards is a backup option with potential.
6. Marvin Bagley III, Washington Wizards
Bagley has shown flashes of talent but remains inconsistent.
7. Isaiah Jackson, Indiana Pacers
Jackson is a young player with potential, but his role is uncertain.
8. Paul Reed, Detroit Pistons
Reed is a name to keep an eye on as he develops.
As you prepare for your fantasy basketball draft, consider these tiers and the potential each player brings to your team. Whether you’re looking for elite talent or hidden gems, the center position offers a range of options to help you build a competitive roster.