The 2016–2017 NBA season marked a pivotal year for big men across the league. While the game continued to shift toward perimeter-oriented play, several centers still dominated the paint with elite scoring, rebounding, and defensive presence. From established All-Stars to breakout performers, the top centers of 2017 combined size, skill, and basketball IQ to influence games at both ends of the floor. This list evaluates players based on scoring efficiency, per-game averages, advanced metrics, and overall impact during the regular season and playoffs.
Criteria for Evaluation
Selecting the best centers involves more than just points per game. The following factors were considered:
- Scoring output: Points per game, field goal percentage, and offensive versatility.
- Rebounding and defense: Blocks, defensive rating, and rim protection.
- Advanced stats: Player Efficiency Rating (PER), Win Shares, and Box Plus-Minus (BPM).
- Team impact: Role within team success and playoff performance.
Top 10 Centers in the NBA: 2017 Season
The following rankings reflect each player’s statistical production, influence on winning, and consistency throughout the 2016–2017 campaign.
- DeAndre Jordan (Los Angeles Clippers)
- Karl-Anthony Towns (Minnesota Timberwolves)
- Rudy Gobert (Utah Jazz)
- Anthony Davis (New Orleans Pelicans)
- Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers)
- Andre Drummond (Detroit Pistons)
- Al Horford (Boston Celtics)
- Brook Lopez (Brooklyn Nets)
- Marcus Camby (Denver Nuggets – limited due to injury)
- Enes Kanter (Oklahoma City Thunder)
1. DeAndre Jordan – Los Angeles Clippers
Jordan led the league in field goal percentage (66.3%) and rebounds per game (12.7) in 2017. Though he averaged 12.7 points, his impact came through elite screening, roll gravity, and finishing at the rim. His presence enabled Chris Paul and Jamal Crawford to thrive in pick-and-roll actions. Defensively, he anchored one of the top half-court units in the West.
“DeAndre is the heartbeat of our defense. When he’s protecting the rim, we’re a completely different team.” — Doc Rivers, Clippers Head Coach (March 2017)
2. Karl-Anthony Towns – Minnesota Timberwolves
In his second season, Towns elevated into stardom with 25.0 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. He shot 54.2% from the field and even displayed range, hitting 37 three-pointers. His combination of footwork, touch, and mobility made him the most offensively complete center in the league under age 23.
3. Rudy Gobert – Utah Jazz
Gobert wasn’t a high scorer (14.0 ppg), but his defensive impact was unmatched. The Jazz allowed just 99.8 points per 100 possessions with him on the floor—the best mark in the NBA. His 2.6 blocks per game altered countless shots, and his ability to protect the rim allowed Utah to play aggressive perimeter defense.
Tip: Gobert’s value lies in \"deflections\" and \"contests\"—advanced stats that don’t show up on traditional box scores.4. Anthony Davis – New Orleans Pelicans
Davis averaged 28.0 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks, making him the only player in the top 5 in all three categories. His scoring arsenal included face-up jumpers, post moves, and transition finishes. Despite missing 35 games, his PER of 29.4 ranked among the league leaders when healthy.
5. Joel Embiid – Philadelphia 76ers
In just 31 games, Embiid announced his arrival with 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks. His blend of size, skill, and charisma energized Philadelphia. Though limited by injury, his impact per minute was elite. He became the first 76er since Allen Iverson to average over 20 points in a debut season.
“They said I wouldn’t be ready. I’m not just here—I’m dominant.” — Joel Embiid, postgame interview vs. Knicks, January 2017
Statistical Comparison: 2017 Center Leaders
| Player | PPG | RPG | BPG | FG% | PER | Win Shares |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeAndre Jordan | 12.7 | 12.7 | 1.7 | 66.3% | 22.8 | 8.1 |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | 25.0 | 12.6 | 1.5 | 54.2% | 25.8 | 7.9 |
| Rudy Gobert | 14.0 | 12.6 | 2.6 | 63.0% | 23.1 | 7.5 |
| Anthony Davis | 28.0 | 11.8 | 2.2 | 50.2% | 29.4 | 6.8 |
| Joel Embiid | 20.2 | 7.8 | 2.5 | 48.0% | 24.9 | 2.7 |
| Andre Drummond | 13.6 | 13.8 | 1.5 | 53.7% | 22.4 | 6.7 |
Emerging Trends Among Top Centers
The 2017 season highlighted evolving roles for centers. The traditional back-to-the-basket big man was becoming rarer. Instead, teams valued mobility, rim protection, and the ability to space the floor.
- Stretch bigs: Players like Brook Lopez began testing the three-point line more frequently.
- Defensive anchors: Gobert and Drummond thrived as primary rim protectors.
- Two-way stars: Towns and Davis exemplified the modern center who could score and defend at an elite level.
Mini Case Study: Rudy Gobert’s Defensive Impact
During a late-season stretch against the Houston Rockets, Gobert held James Harden to 38% shooting despite multiple isolation attempts. The Jazz won the game by 12 points. Analytics showed that Houston’s effective field goal percentage dropped by 11 points when Gobert was the closest defender. This single game illustrated how one center can disrupt an entire offensive system built around spacing and guard dominance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn’t Marc Gasol or Dwight Howard ranked higher?
While both were respected veterans, their 2017 seasons saw declines. Gasol averaged 14.3 points but played fewer minutes in a reduced role. Howard struggled with injuries and fit issues in Atlanta, averaging just 13.5 points and 11.8 rebounds while shooting 56%—a drop from prior years.
Was Joel Embiid deserving of a top-5 spot with only 31 games played?
Yes, due to his per-minute impact. Embiid posted a Win Share per 48 minutes of .231—higher than many full-season starters. His potential and immediate influence justified inclusion, especially given the lack of dominant rookie performances at center in recent memory.
How did analytics change how centers were evaluated in 2017?
Metrics like Defensive Box Plus-Minus (DBPM) and Rim Protection Rate became critical. Coaches and front offices started prioritizing players who consistently contested shots and rotated effectively, even if they didn’t always record blocks. Gobert led the league in DBPM (+5.1), validating his selection as a top-tier center despite modest scoring.
Final Takeaways and Key Insights
The 2017 NBA season proved that centers still mattered—even in an era of small ball. The best ones adapted by improving mobility, embracing defensive systems, or expanding their offensive games. DeAndre Jordan’s dominance in efficiency, Towns’ offensive polish, and Gobert’s defensive mastery represented different paths to excellence.
For fans and analysts alike, evaluating centers now requires looking beyond basic stats. Understanding screen-setting quality, defensive rotations, and impact on team pace provides a fuller picture of a player’s value.
“The best centers today aren’t just big—they’re smart, agile, and essential to team identity.” — Kevin Arnovitz, ESPN Analytics Contributor
Actionable Checklist: Evaluating a Modern NBA Center
- ✅ Check field goal percentage—elite centers shoot above 55%.
- ✅ Review block and contest numbers, not just totals.
- ✅ Analyze defensive rating when the player is on the floor.
- ✅ Look at offensive role: Are they a roll man, post scorer, or floor spacer?
- ✅ Consider durability and availability—impact means little if they’re injured.
Conclusion
The 2017 NBA season featured a diverse group of dominant centers, each contributing in unique ways. Whether through brute rebounding, rim protection, or offensive versatility, these players shaped their teams' identities. As the league evolves, the legacy of this group reminds us that size, skill, and intelligence in the paint remain irreplaceable assets. For basketball enthusiasts, revisiting this era offers valuable insight into how the center position continues to adapt—and endure.
💬 Which 2017 center do you think had the most underrated impact? Share your thoughts and debate the rankings with fellow fans!
